Gloucester V Worcester The pragmatic Report

The end of January and the last ZP fixture a month ago: the supporters were hungry for a game and worried that the players might have forgotten the laws! The problem of “burn-out” does not apply to everyone in a league of only 12 teams. Gloucester v Worcester was an ideal fixture for the fans: not far away and with enough links between the two clubs to give the game a particular edge.  We had given them a fright at Sixways, but what would happen at Kingsholm?  There was the awesome “Shed” to contend with and, after some poor performances, Gloucester would be looking to lift their season and restore their reputation.  Despite a long injury list, they still have a team full of big names.  It was not going to be an easy game.

Four coaches rolled out of Sixways on to the M5; extra coaches were added to local trains; many other supporters opted for their own transport.  As we neared the ground, the A 38 was already becoming a stream of gold and blue and it was still 2 hours to kick-off.  That stream would become a flood.  By 1.15 pm, the Shed was half full of Warriors’ supporters and the horned helmets were clearly visible.  We were determined to let the lads know that we were there as soon as they came out for their warm-up.

Kingsholm is a mish-mash of building styles, haphazard rather than planned.  It is conveniently close to the city centre and the cathedral is clearly visible across the ground.  Houses press around the perimeter and there is little room for much expansion.  However, the new Buildbase Stand behind the goal has been erected since our last visit and provides a good view of the pitch as well as a range of facilities including toilets and bars.  Despite the number of food traders, we searched in vain for the famous Gloucester Old Spot sausage bap which we had enjoyed on a previous occasion.  We did find some palatable pasties in the clubhouse bar and, while there, took the time to read the International Honours Board.  This reached back to the 1890s and listed many famous names: A.T. Voyce in the ‘20s; Mike Burton, Phil Blakeway and Mike Teague in more recent days. All served to remind us of the tradition that we were facing on the pitch.

The fans we met were very friendly, regarding us as rivals, but also “first cousins” geographically.  This was reflected in the programme which stressed the links between the two clubs and gave space to a lengthy write-up of our only previous meeting at Kingsholm in the Cup in 1999, when Gloucester won 31-17.  It was interesting to see that the Gloucester team then included well-known names such as Philippe St. André, Mark Mapletoft and Trevor Woodman as well as such familiar faces as Nathan Carter and Dave Sims.  Long-standing Worcester supporters would be pleased to hear that Chris Raymond and Bruce Fenley are now with Old Patesians in Cheltenham.  Another feeling of divided loyalty must have been experienced by Tim Smith who was spotted amongst the Worcester section of the stand.

By the time of kick-off, the stadium was packed and the Worcester faithful were in good voice.  Indeed, throughout the match we heard very little evidence of the famous Shed effect.  Most of the chanting seemed to be “Warriors”.

It is not my place to comment on the match itself, except to say that, in the first half, our lads showed the effect of a month without a Premiership game and that Gloucester was the more effective team overall.  However, I left Kingsholm feeling proud of the Warriors for their determination to play for 80 minutes and for a second half performance which showed that they were regaining their previous attack and confidence.  They even looked the fitter side at the end.  It is also true to say that after to-day’s game I was left with a sneaking feeling of nostalgia for the innocence of National Division One where matches might sometimes lack the pace and power of the Premiership but where gamesmanship has not yet attained the status of an art form.

RT