European Challenge Cup: Bucharest 17 Worcester 53
This thumping win, and Bourgoin’s surprise defeat to Petraca, means the Warriors look destined for the final stages of the Cup after brushing aside a physical Bucharesti Oaks, in fine style, but again they picked up some knocks and bruises.
Two Matthew Jones penalties gave Warriors the lead before Rico Gear went over in the corner. But the home side struck back with a fine chase and plunge over the try-line by Samoan wing Jeff Makapelu. Warriors led 11-10 midway in the first half.
Sharp work by Ryan Powell from the base of the scrum enabled the number nine to go over and when the home side repeatedly collapsed the scrum Warriors were awarded a penalty try and, with Jones kicking well, led 23-10 at half time.
The bonus-point try came as Craig Gillies found himself on the left wing after a flowing move on 44 minutes.
Sam Tuitupou joined the try bonanza with a thumping run before Gear, on the right wing, eluded two tacklers to score. Bucharest’s Makapelu went over as Warriors rang the changes.
WORCESTER: Crichton; Gear, Grove, Tuitupou (Carlisle 71), Benjamin (Fellows 35); Jones M, Powell R (Powell M 61); Mullan, Lutui (Page 64), Taumoepeau (Morris 57), Rawlinson, Gillies, Wood, (Kitchener 44), Cox, Talei.
