Pat Sanderson could not hide his disappointment after Worcester's 22-11 to Bourgoin in the Challenge Cup semi-final.
Worcester lose out to Bourgoin in Challenge Cup semi-final
Captain Pat Sanderson could not hide his disappointment after Worcester's 22-11 to Bourgoin in the semi-final of the European Challenge Cup.
The visitors led 6-3 at half-time at Stade Pierre Rajon but Bourgoin, led by 14 points from Morgan Parra's boot, took control after the interval and eased to victory.
"It would have been great to make the final so there is obvious disappointment in the dressing room right now," Sanderson said.
"But you can't fault the character of the lads. European rugby is a different brand of rugby and a whole different intensity and physicality.
"Bourgoin had that in bucket loads and we didn't quite have the firepower to come back at them.
"The injuries didn't help us. We had players playing out of position in the front row and that showed in the first half.
"But credit to them for playing out of position and hanging in there. There's no criticism level towards them because Bourgoin were excellent in that area and made their dominance tell. We've got no excuses."
Chances
Worcester's points came from Joe Carlisle's two penalties in the first half and a late try from Miles Benjamin two minutes from time.
"We had opportunities but we didn't take them," Sanderson added. "We spoke about it at half-time and said we would create another chance.
"But we had to make sure we nailed them. Bourgoin came out fighting and their half-backs, Parra and Benjamin Boyet, were outstanding.
"They showed a good level of maturity and controlled the game really well. It was very difficult for us to play but that's why they are world-class players."
Worcester will return to the Challenge Cup next season after failing to qualify for the Heineken Cup.
And Sanderson believes the future is bright at Sixways: "It's difficult to assess our season because we've had so many injuries.
"But in the last nine weeks we've certainly evolved and we can be positive going into next season.
"We've got a good squad but we need to stay fit and keep healthy. If we do that, then I've no doubt we will be successful next year.
"I don't think we need to recruit at half-back. It's been an area we've been hit hardest but Joe (Carlisle) stepped in and did well. We're not panicking or worrying but we're looking forward to next season."
