Warriors power past Leeds
Worcester powered to the top of the Guinness Premiership with a 27-7 victory over Leeds Carnegie at Sixways.
Last Updated: 12/09/09 1:30am
Worcester Warriors powered to the top of the Guinness Premiership with an impressive 27-7 victory over newly-promoted Leeds Carnegie at Sixways.
With the game tantalisingly poised at 10-7 to Worcester at half-time, fly-half Willie Walker's nine-point burst and a try from Marcel Garvey in 10 second-half minutes ultimately proved decisive.
Carnegie, who drew their opening fixture 9-9 at Newcastle, took an 18th minute lead when Jonny Hepworth's try cancelled out on early penalty from Walker.
Ceiron Thomas converted, but the lead lasted just four minutes, with Worcester prospering after a well-placed kick by Walker had the visitors back-pedalling.
Quick-ball then freed Alex Grove, and the 21-year-old Worcester academy product powered over, handing off a Leeds would-be-tackler in the process.
Walker's successful conversion gave the home side a 10-7 advantage and whatever half-time words were said by director of rugby Mike Ruddock brought an instance response.
Two penalties and a 40-metre drop-goal in the space of four minutes placed Leeds 12 points adrift, and Garvey's 51st minute score effectively finished the game as a contest.
A yellow card for Grove stalled Worcester's momentum, however Walker appropriately had the final say when his penalty four minutes from time gave him a 17-point haul and wrapped up much-needed home victory.
