1st XV vs Worcester 28 February 2020 - Worcester 36 KC 10

This game turned out to be yet another where the score does not reflect the effort and contribution that KC put into the contest. Worcester were dominant for much of the first half and KC came back into the game strongly in the second half.
Playing with the wind Worcester put much pressure on the KC team in the first 15 minutes. Excellent defence by KC, particularly the back row of Maher, Roff and Protheroe who were prominent throughout the game, kept Worcester in check for the early stages of the match. After 20 minutes Worcester only had a single penalty to show for their pressure and KC then took the lead through a great move involving forwards and backs close to the Worcester line with Alex Royall getting over to give KC a 3-5 lead and quieten the vocal Worcester crowd.
The worst period for KC came near the end of the first half when a ten minute lapse in concentration allowed Worcester to score 3 converted tries taking them to a half time lead of 24-5.
KC came out in the second half like a different team taking play straight into the Worcester half. Great attacking play by the whole team including Rigsby, Clarke and Maher kept Worcester on the back foot. Pressure and territorial advantage gave KC a great scoring opportunity when a good break by Ryan Tiene was wasted by a knock-on with the Worcester line open.
Against the run of play Worcester scored an unconverted try from an interception. KC continued their pressure, Rob Phillips coming on as a replacement making several good runs while scrum half Will Fallows’ constant sniping tested the Worcester defence. KC had their best move of the game after winning a set scrum on the half-way line. Tom Maher picking up and making 25 metres shaking off several Worcester defenders, then passing to Ryan Tiene for him to outpace the defence and score a trade mark try.
KC had played really well after half-time with a great team effort. The players can be proud that until the last 5 minutes KC and Worcester were level on scores in the second half. However Worcester broke through the defence to score under the posts to take a 36-10 lead to the final whistle.

Bob Davies