WORCESTER SHRUG OFF DOUBLE BLOW FOR VICTORY

BRISTOL 25 WORCESTER 27

Worcester suffered a pre-match blow when powerhouse wing Bryce Heem withdrew through family commitments.

Three minutes into the game, they received another blow when fly-half Jono Lance was forced to leave the field for an injury assessment before Warriors fell behind to a penalty try after Niall Annett collapsed a driving line-out.

Lance failed the assessment so Weir remained in his place before Worcester, despite still playing with 14, responded with their first try, when Hill rewarded a period of pressure to crash over.

Annett returned before Bristol regained the lead when Morahan finished off a flowing three-quarter move with the visitors’ defence being easily sucked in.

Worcester soon replied with their second try. Adams made good ground down the left flank before the ball was recycled to create a try for Te’o.

Weir’s touchline conversion put the visitors in front for the first time, but the lead was short-lived as Sheedy quickly knocked over two 45m penalties.

The lead changed hands once again when Hill made another telling burst before a superb long pass from Weir sent Adams flying over in the corner.

Weir fired over another excellent conversion and a subsequent penalty for Worcester to lead 24-18 at the interval. Six minutes after the restart, Weir kicked his second penalty as Worcester continued to be the better side and were almost rewarded with their bonus try, but Weir was just short of grounding the ball.

Worcester looked likely to hang on but Bristol raised their game for Sheedy to see a gap and dart over before the outside-half was replaced by Ian Madigan.

Bristol were rejuvenated and a tremendous run from Chris Vui took his side to within five metres. Te’o was shown a yellow card for a deliberate offside and Bristol looked favourites but Madigan’s penalty from half-way sailed wide.