Amlin Challenge Cup: Andy Goode's 22-point haul gives Worcester win over Perpignan
Andy Goode scored all Worcester's points in a 22-21 victory over Perpignan at Sixways in the Challenge Cup.
Last Updated: 06/12/12 10:05pm
Former England fly-half Goode kicked the match-winning penalty, his fifth, three minutes from time to cap a fine personal display that also included a try and conversion.
In a feisty contest that saw Welsh referee Neil Hennessy sin-bin four players - two from each side - group leaders Worcester prevailed ahead of visiting Pool Two rivals Perpignan on Saturday week.
Perpignan gained a penalty try, a touchdown from scrum-half Florian Cazenave and 11 points from Wales international James Hook, but they were denied during an exciting finale, even though their losing bonus point could yet prove crucial.
Goode booted two penalties, one from 50 metres, inside the opening 10 minutes, but Perpignan rocked the Warriors from their first attack as Cazenave darted over wide out.
Worcester, though, turned the screw during a dominant second quarter, with Goode kicking another penalty and then converting his own try either side of Perpignan prop Sona Taumalolo being sin-binned.
The Warriors' scrum pressure took its toll, but Hook clawed Perpignan back into it through a drop-goal on the stroke of half-time.
And when he slotted two penalties during a seven-minute spell after the break - the second following a yellow card for Worcester flanker Neil Best - Perpignan were on top.
A penalty try arrived 16 minutes from time after Worcester prop Ceri Jones was sin-binned, yet Goode's fourth successful penalty set up a tense finish with Warriors 21-19 adrift.
Perpignan looked as though they had done enough to retain their advantage despite wing Adrien Plante being yellow-carded for taking out Worcester full-back Chris Pennell in the air. Goode though, had other ideas.
Worcester top Pool Two with 14 points after three straight wins, while Perpignan picked up a losing bonus point for their efforts and sit second on 11 points.
