Worcester boss Dean Ryan was left a frustrated man despite seeing his side come back from 24-3 down to secure a bonus point against Harlequins at a rain-sodden Sixways.
– #360Rugby: Kvesic the man for England at No. 7
A lethargic Worcester had trailed by 21 points after 45 minutes with a Charlie Walker double and a Luke Wallace effort for Quins. Nick Evans converted all three and added a penalty.
Worcester’s second-half rally saw them score tries from Marco Mama and Phil Dowson and a penalty try which Ryan Mills converted.
Ryan said: “I’m really disappointed, I’m sick of being described as plucky losers as we have to change that tag and I’m fed up of being close. Our kicking was woeful in the first half, we were trying to thread the ball through the eye of a needle and the first 40 minutes just wasn’t good enough.
Great feet from Charlie Walker to score, Quins lead 7-0 early on #AvivaPrem Follow: https://t.co/VPPheDhs48 https://t.co/vTRb49vZk6
— Ultimate Rugby (@ultimaterugby) January 3, 2016
“We haven’t got the experience of a Nick Evans or a Danny Care, who moved us around with some pinpoint kicking and Care’s kick to create their third try was outstanding.”
Worcester dominated possession and territory but their opponents were more clinical as the Warriors wasted opportunities and could not fully capitalise on the sin-binning of both Quins centres Jamie Roberts and George Lowe.
The Warriors’ first-half performance was probably their worst of the season and Quins did not have to do anything exceptional to lead 24-3 but they were transformed in the second period and in the end were unlucky losers.
Harlequins move to third on the @PremRugby table #COYQ pic.twitter.com/ljz6VEOExO
— Harlequins (@QuinsRugbyUnion) January 3, 2016
Quins boss Conor O’Shea said: “For the first 45 or 50 minutes we were outstanding, we were disciplined and clinical and were still trying to play rugby in the difficult conditions. If we could play like that for the whole 80 minutes we would be some side.”
The major talking point of the game came in the 30th minute when Worcester’s fly-half Tom Heathcote was pole-axed by giant Quins lock Charlie Matthews.
After medical attention, Heathcore left the field and did not return. After consulting the TMO, referee Wayne Barnes ruled the challenge as fair, much to the disgust of the home fans and Ryan.
“He knocked the guy out and he’s still dazed,” fumed Ryan.
