Well in terms of my blog, nothing! Could I think of anything positive to say? No. Could I think of anything interesting to say? No. Will it be any different this season? I think so!
I was recently asked by the Worcester Observer for my opinions on last season, but as I was only asked 3 questions and had only 120 words to answer so thought I would expand a bit in this blog. Then for me that is closure on the 2013/14 Worcester Warriors season.
This is what I was asked:
"When did Warriors look doomed?
After our defeat to London Irish as we still had Leicester Tigers, Northampton Saints, Bath and Saracens to play.
Best away performance?
If we had stayed up it would have been our vital away win against Newcastle Falcons, but as we did not then it has to go to our display at Harlequins where we secured a losing bonus point.
What needs to improve next season?
Our defence. Bristol have shown you can finish top of the Championship by saying ‘no matter how many you score we will score more’, but I am unsure whether that will get you through the play-off system."
I few other fans were asked different questions, this is what my response would have been if I was asked:
Favourite game at Sixways?
Gloucester. Not because we beat our local rivals but because we finally won a game at home. We could have been playing against the lowest side in professional rugby and it still would have been my favourite game as it prevented us going a whole season without a home league win.
Gloucester. Not because we beat our local rivals but because we finally won a game at home. We could have been playing against the lowest side in professional rugby and it still would have been my favourite game as it prevented us going a whole season without a home league win.
Try of the season?
Andy Symons break, away to Falcons, signaled his arrival in the team and created our first win of the season. For quality of try I would probably go with David Lemi's try resulting from Chris Pennell's amazing off load.
Unsung hero?
Percy. Chris Pennell has been outstanding, Mike Williams has been one of many young players to break into the team, but James Percival still plays every minute of every game as if it is his last!
Percy. Chris Pennell has been outstanding, Mike Williams has been one of many young players to break into the team, but James Percival still plays every minute of every game as if it is his last!
Match to forget?
Home to Falcons. Offy Report Having already lost at home to Irish this was a game that needed a massive performance. We didn't even get a performance. One of the worst games I have ever seen at Sixways!
Star player?
Looking past Chris Pennell then Mike Williams. Arrived at the club as an unknown lock but has ended the season as young player of the season and as our outstanding back row forward for 2013/14
Home to Falcons. Offy Report Having already lost at home to Irish this was a game that needed a massive performance. We didn't even get a performance. One of the worst games I have ever seen at Sixways!
Star player?
Looking past Chris Pennell then Mike Williams. Arrived at the club as an unknown lock but has ended the season as young player of the season and as our outstanding back row forward for 2013/14
What to expect in the Championship?
Hard fought run to the final. Past this, due to the nature of the play off lottery I cannot predict. I do expect to see Dean Ryan's vision start to come through, but only if our front row is up to the challenge.
Biggest disappointment?
The front row. Even Creevy did not quite make the impact I did hope for, but being out so long with injury did not help that. Obviously not having a reliable 10 all season had massive impact. If any one single thing could have been changed from last season it would have been to retain or bring in a 10 of Goode's quality to kick 200+ points for us. This above anything else would have prevented our relegation.
Hard fought run to the final. Past this, due to the nature of the play off lottery I cannot predict. I do expect to see Dean Ryan's vision start to come through, but only if our front row is up to the challenge.
Biggest disappointment?
The front row. Even Creevy did not quite make the impact I did hope for, but being out so long with injury did not help that. Obviously not having a reliable 10 all season had massive impact. If any one single thing could have been changed from last season it would have been to retain or bring in a 10 of Goode's quality to kick 200+ points for us. This above anything else would have prevented our relegation.
Proudest moment?
When the rest of the country finally accepted what Warriors fans have known for a few seasons, that Chris Pennell is a top class full back and that he is of England pedigree.
When the rest of the country finally accepted what Warriors fans have known for a few seasons, that Chris Pennell is a top class full back and that he is of England pedigree.
Three players to watch next season?
Mike Williams - can only get better, could have secured the 6 shirt but with the quantity of back row players coming in we may see him play a few more games at lock.
Tom Biggs - Quality! Simple as that. Will score bag loads of tries in the Championship
Charlie Mulchrone - A very experienced Championship scrum-half, captained his side to the semi-finals, knows how the league works and will have plenty of "inside information" when it comes to the big games.
So they are my thoughts on last season, a season to forget, but with some positives:
1. Chris Pennell
2. Mike Williams
3. Andy Symons
We say goodbye to a lot of players, as per previous seasons:
Jon Andress
Jeremy Becasseau
Ed Shervington
Chris Brooker
Euan Murray
Chris Jones
Mariano Galarza
Dean Scofield
Semisi Taulava
Danny Gray
Jon Clarke
Josh Matavesi
David Lemi
Paul Warwick
Paul Hodgson
We say hello to even more:
Andries Pretorius
Matt Cox
Ryan Mills
G J Van Velze
Charlie Mulchrone
Joe ReesHeath Stevens
Sam Smith
Niall Annett
Ben Sowrey
Dan Sanderson
Nick Schonert
Tom Biggs
Ryan Bower
Dan George
Darren O'Shea
Jean-Baptiste Bruzulier
Yes it is all change again, just like last season, but the key difference this time is that for each man leaving we have a better, or potentially better, replacement.
Come On You Warriors!
