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Worcester 20-20 Bristol

Worcester (3) 20
Tries: Latham, Penalty Cons: Hickey (2) Pens: Hickey (2)

Bristol (10) 20
Tries: Robinson, Ward-Smith Cons: Barnes (2) Pens: Barnes (2)


A last-minute penalty by Ed Barnes earned struggling Bristol a share of the spoils against Worcester.

Bristol led 10-3 at the break thanks to Dan Ward-Smith's try after 28 minutes.

The hosts levelled with a converted penalty try on the resumption before Lee Robinson's score on the hour put Bristol back in front at 17-13.

Chris Latham's converted try 10 minutes from time appeared to have won it for Worcester, but Barnes stepped up to give his side a well-deserved point.

The two points for a draw keeps Bristol in touch at the bottom, just one point adrift of Newcastle.


Worcester's director of rugby Mike Ruddock told BBC Hereford and Worcester:

"We never like to give a game away and I think that's what we did right at the death.

"Fair play to Bristol, they scrapped hard all the way through and we knew before the game that they weren't going to lie down, they were going to battle.

"They certainly did that and, in the end, a penalty went against us right at the death and they kicked it under pressure."

Bristol head coach Richard Hill:

"I was very pleased, we had the will and determination to tackle which we have been lacking this season.

"We had tremendous physicality to our defence. Our players didn't give in even when they had their tails up late on.

"Even though our confidence must have been fragile we battled to the end and Ed Barnes kept his nerve to land a great kick, but we've only had about 60% success with our kicks."


Worcester: Latham; Gear, Rasmussen, Tuitupou, Pennell; Hickey, M Powell; Mullen, Lutui, Taumoepeau, Gillies, Rawlinson, Talei, Sanderson, Horstmann.

Replacements: R. Powell for M. Powell (67), Horsman for Tuamoepeau (62). Not Used: Fortey, Bowley, Cox, Carlisle, Luscombe.

Sin Bin: Rasmussen (20).


Bristol: Arscott; Robinson, Brew, Eves, Lemi; Barnes, Perry (capt); Clarke, Regan, Hobson; Sambucetti, Sidoli; Budgett, To'oala, Ward-Smith.

Replacements: Linklater for Regan (63), Crompton for Hobson (53), Attwood for Sambucetti (66). Not Used: Phillips, Beveridge, Jarvis, Barden.

Sin Bin: Robinson (43).

Att: 10,015

Referee: Wayne Barnes (England)



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see also
European Challenge Cup R4 review
14 Dec 08 |  Rugby Union
Saracens 23-6 Worcester
30 Nov 08 |  English
Bristol 13-18 London Irish
30 Nov 08 |  English


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