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Warriors fight back to beat 11-man Bath
By Nicholas McGee
Worcester Warriors clinched only their fourth victory of the Premiership season as Bryce Heem scored a 98th-minute try against a Bath side who finished the game with 11 men.
Second bottom in the table, the Warriors appeared set for a heavy defeat as Bath stormed to a 19-3 half-time lead, 14 of their points coming from the boot of Freddie Burns.
However, Duncan Weir's penalty was followed by Heem's first try as Worcester cut the gap to eight points before the game turned further in their favour as Ross Batty was sent off for a neck roll.
Weir then knocked over another penalty to bring Worcester to within a try, with the Warriors subsequently piling on the pressure just a few metres out from the Bath line as Todd Blackadder's men tried desperately to protect their advantage.
But Max Lahiff, Lucas Noguera Paz and Aled Brew all saw yellow in the additional minutes, and a severely depleted Bath were unable to hold out as a long looping pass found Heem to touch down and Weir added the crucial conversion.
Worcester are now four points ahead of Newcastle Falcons after the bottom side were beaten again.
Harlequins celebrated Mike Brown's club-record 308th appearance in style by running in five tries in a 38-17 defeat of the Falcons to go third.
They leapfrog Gloucester following their disappointing defeat to Leicester Tigers. Jonny May scored twice against his former club and George Ford tallied 19 points for Leicester in a 34-16 triumph.
Leaders Exeter Chiefs survived a surprisingly tough test to go four points ahead of Saracens after their defeat to Sale Sharks on Friday.
Struggling Bristol were not expected to put up much of a fight against the Chiefs, who have contested the last three finals, but provided admirably stern resistance.
Exeter led just 7-3 at the break courtesy of Santiago Cordero's try on the stroke of half-time. However, a pair of Ian Madigan penalties gave Bristol a slender two-point advantage.
Yet Sean Lonsdale's try 14 minutes from time proved decisive in settling a hard-fought contest for the Chiefs.
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Latest Comments
Willie will always be the most missed player for me once he retires. He wasn't interested in scoring tries. The ultimate team player. Has the most assists in tries in the Bok team, and his kicks always spot on, at least 95% of the time. He reads the game like no other player can. He wasn't flashy, and people didn't notice him because of that. Great rugby head and knowledge. He should be catapulted into an assistant coach in the rugby system. He should really consider coaching.
Damian Willemse is an excellent fullback and he is the number 1 fullback. He can play the entire backline positions, except maybe 9, but I'm sure he would be able too if he wanted. No one is taking that away from him, only stand in while he is injured. He is world class and you don't swap that out. He also got wicked dancing feet, great eye for openings, and reads a game like few can, like Willie Le Roux. Also very strong on his feet, with absolute great hands and his kicking game is just as good.
As for Aphelele Fassi. What a great find and he has exceptional talent that Rassie will mould into a world class player. Yet.... He is nowhere even close to Damien Willemse. He has a long way to go to get there, but he is surrounded by great team mates from who he will gain lots of advice and support. He can play wing and fullback and Rassie may just try him out as a flyhalf or centre too. He has the abilities to expand his game. He is for sure a future star, but not yet at the stage to take away Damien Willemse's spot. However, DW start and AF on the bench, that is an awesome replacement. Between the 2 they cover all positions in the backline once AF gets that training. The Boks could go 6/2 permanently if they wanted. 6 forwards, a scrumhalf and AF. I may be wrong, but Rassie will spread AF around.
Go to commentsGood grief
Beauden was his usual industrious self mixing deft touches with mindless kicks
6 or 7 max!!
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