Warriors lose Euro opener
Worcester slumped to a surprise 22-17 defeat at home to Montpellier as the European rugby season got under way.
Last Updated: 08/10/09 10:31pm
Worcester slumped to a surprise 22-17 defeat at home to Montpellier as the European rugby season got under way.
The French sit one from bottom in the Top 14 but belied that position despite being out-scored by two tries to one at Sixways - the hosts paying for their first-half indiscipline.
The Guinness Premiership side opened the scoring when Willie Walker slotted a third minute penalty, but the visitors raced into a 15-3 lead after 35 minutes with Federico Todeschini kicking four penalties.
Full-back Jaques Schutte kicked the other penalty but the Warriors narrowed the deficit just before half-time, flanker Pat Sanderson crossing with Walker adding the two.
However, the killer blow arrived eight minutes into the second period when Joey Carlisle's floated pass was intercepted by Florian Nicot, who raced home unopposed with the conversion making the score 22-10.
Worcester hit back four minutes later with Tom Wood coming up with the ball following a draiving maul, and although they had time to steal the points Mike Ruddock's side were unable to find a way through.
Last year's semi-finalists now face a difficult task in extricating themselves from Pool Two after a disappointing start to another European season.
