Warriors make big statement in Paris

WORCESTER made a blistering start to their European campaign with a bonus point win in Paris.

A brace of tries from Tom Howe and a try apiece from Matt Cox, Tedd Hill and Matt Shillcock plus 13 points from the boot of Jono Lance were enough to secure Worcester a famous victory.

Stade crossed for three tries of their own courtesy of full-back Kylan Hamdaoui, Laurent Panis and Piet van Zyl but Worcester’s defence held them out at the death.

Worcester made a strong start, moving the ball from side to side in an attempt to get Stades big pack puffing. And after an enterprising opening 10 minutes they got their reward when Cox muscled his way over from short range after Worcester were able to apply some pressure on the Stade line.

But the Parisians hit back with a scintillating try from inside their own half. Stocky centre Jonathan Danty powered forward into the Worcester half and the ball was spread wide where wing Lester Etien charged up the touchline before drawing his man and putting Hamdaoui over.

Worcester hit back soon after with a series of powerful driving lineouts forcing their hosts on to the back foot before Howe sneaked over the line to claim his side’s second try.

Plisson cut the deficit with a successful penalty before the Warriors struck at the stroke of half-time.

Ollie Lawrence broke clear into the Stade 22 after the Warriors had stolen a lineout before putting Howe over for his second try which Lance converted.

That seven pointer sent the Premiership side into the changing rooms with a healthy 24-13 lead.

Worcester came again at the start of the second half. After winning a penalty at the breakdown Lance forced Stade back into their 22 which allowed Warriors to build pressure with Hill eventually forcing his way over for the bonus point try.

Stade refused to throw in the towel and replacement hooker Panis burrowed over from short range. Shillcock scored for Worcester just minutes after taking the field with a try in the left corner after some impressive interplay between backs and forwards.

But Stade hit straight back when van Zyl crossed courtesy of a powerful driving lineout to set up a tense last five minutes.

They pushed desperately for a losing bonus point but Worcester’s defence held firm.