SIX at SIXways in twentySIX

It's hard to comprehend that we are already halfway through the regular Champ season with only six remaining home fixtures before the possibility of play-off rugby. We've had six out of seven home wins in 2025; the coaches and players will be looking to make that six out of six in 2026.

Half-season is generally a good time to reflect on where we stand. To be sitting an unequivocable third in the table, having started the season with a scratch squad, reflects the reasonable expectations of most followers. That's not to say that there wasn't pre-season speculation on a 2-way shoot-out between Worcester and Ealing for top-spot but performances have advocated the opinion of more habituated Tier 2 viewers, recognising the strength and depth of the league.

From an entertainment perspective it's hard to find a game not worthy of comment in our returning season thus far. There have been some particular highlights though:

• Warriors v Coventry : the opening day produced a thrilling match with Warriors eventually taking all five points after a difficult first half. Emotionally draining but oh so sweet.

• Back-to-Back Last Gasp Victories : Jake Garside's heroics at Caldy were perhaps surpassed by Ashley Challenger's late late try against Nottingham in front of a big home crowd at Sixways.

• Appealing at Ealing : Warriors produced perhaps their finest performance so far in a single-point cliff-hanger. The players & coaches deserved more than the 2BPs they came away with. Huge travelling support left the capital happy however, recognising major progress after the two disappointing Christmas fixtures.

From a supporter perspective it has been a tad difficult to keep on top of the weekly line-up changes, although we are slowly beginning to see some names crop up in the matchday squads on a near weekly basis. I reckon we have used 47 players to date. According to the Warriors website we have a squad of 38 (assuming Tom Hendrickson has signed permanently, we can make that 39). Of these, Callum Smyth, Archie Vanes and Siva Naulago have yet to feature in regular season. Matt Everard and his team have used 11 different loan players up to now.

What with the need for rotation and a handful of senior players (Balmain, Rogerson, Bassett & Naulago) being out with injury for almost all of the first half of the season, it has been little wonder that we have seen some variation in performance. It is perhaps unfortunate for those players who have not yet had their chance to impress but, if we were to be lucky enough to have a full squad to pick from for our next match against Hartpury, I reckon this match-day squad would be tough to beat:

15 Louis Brown

14 Josh Bassett

13 Tom Hendrickson

12 Tom Seabrook

11 Juan Gonzalez

10 Will Reed

09 Lloyd Williams

08 Khalik Kareem

07 Matt Kvesic

06 Tim Anstee

05 James Tyas

04 Obinna Nkwocha

03 Ashley Challenger

02 Will Biggs

01 Billy Keast

16 Austin Wallis 17 Livai Natave 18 Fraser Balmain 19 Matt Rogerson 20 Thabo Ndimande 21 Jake Garside 22 Billy Twelvetrees 23 Tiff Eden

There are a few areas where we appear to have an abundance of talent - the Back Three has looked consistently strong using various combinations; the likes of Roma Zheng, Alfie Garside and Will Trewin have been unfortunate not to have had more game time. However, competition in the backrow is fiercest and once our captain is back to full fitness there will be difficult decisions to be made with Anstee, Kvesic, Kareem & Ndimande all looking undroppable.

There are also areas where we may need to strengthen - we have struggled upfront at times - albeit the average age of our front row forwards is only 26 (with four of those under 25). Second Row is a position where we also look a little undercooked with just four specialist squad members (three under the age of 25). We have relied on loan players and our depth at blindside to fill gaps for most games. A solution for this season would be to continue to rely on Anstee and Chapman as back-up and to hope that we are more fortunate on the injury front.

Match-day Experience

You are never going to please everyone all the time but the feedback we have received and our personal experiences show that most punters have been enjoying their days out at Sixways more than ever. Interestingly the lack of a North Stand giving views over the FanZone, Club Shop and Food outlets seems to have improved the feel of the ground, especially when we have had capacity crowds. The variation and quality of sustenance on offer is remarkable and the entertainment options for youngsters and adults alike is to be commended. The Big Screens are a welcome addition to the Tier 2 experience and it's been great to have ClubberTV coverage, albeit a little out of synch. The Players Walk and Post-Match Pitch access are two innovations that have undoubtedly enhanced game-day for spectators and hopefully the players and coaches feel similarly.

Although not the responsibility of the club, the lack of constant interventions from a TMO has been a complete Godsend. Personally I think the standard of refereeing has been perfectly acceptable and it is a pleasure to see "Sir" committing to an immediate decision without having to phone a friend. The synchronisation of the ref's time-piece to a match clock would be very well-received by Champ Rugby supporters across the land and surely wouldn't be overly difficult to achieve. The home loss to Chinnor was made more difficult to stomach given that many of us were expecting another couple of minutes.

Any negative feedback we have received has largely been about food and drink prices. It is clearly distressing that a pint now costs more than a night-out in the 1990s but the economy is what it is; it would be perhaps be more apt to complain to our MPs than to the Sixways or Freemans management. The other common issue, particularly amongst the more senior supporters, is the volume of the FanZone bands and music played over the tannoy system. Given that most people enjoy the entertainment, I recommend investing in a decent set of ear-plugs if it bothers you that much.

© Gabby Radford

WWST News

You will have all read about the club's plans for another Fan's Forum next month. In between these opportunities for all supporters, WWST continue to keep in regular contact with the club. Indeed, we have a meeting at Sixways next week to discuss a number of issues that have been brought to our attention. We remain happy to act as a liaison with the club for anyone who has particular ideas to pass on.

It has gone a little under the radar that we are now offering Child Membership (under 16s) to WWST. Although child members are not allowed shares or voting rights they do receive a healthy 40% reduction on coach travel to Away games and a member's pin Badge. Only £5 per year so, if you're planning on bringing youngsters to away games, this will be made back (and more) on just one trip.

We have been asked by a number of supporters about the possibility of selling gift vouchers. These are now available in electronic form on our Merchandise Page.

Our planned overnight Away Coach Travel to Cornish Pirates on 28th March is in some danger at the moment as we have only had 15 sign up. Well over double that expressed an interest in coming down with us and it would be shame to have to make alternative arrangements. Please do sign up ASAP if you're up for the trip. It proves to be a very special weekend with a Saturday 2.30pm Kick-off now confirmed.

We are also struggling a little for numbers for the Ampthill Away match on 31st January. It's a lovely welcoming ground with stunning views over the surrounding countryside. Probably not overly suitable for those with mobility issues though as there is a half-mile walk from clubhouse to pitch. It's Warriors next away match on 31st January. If you didn't make the pre-season game it's a must!

Warriors are due to play London Scottish under the Friday night lights at Old Deer Park on Friday 13th February at 7.45pm. We are not anticipating much demand for this one but if enough of you would definitely come on a Supporters Coach then we'd be happy to organise one. (Cost would be around £23 for members.) Please take a moment to feedback below:

Would you travel on a Supporters Coach to London Scottish v Worcester Warriors on Friday 13th February (Leaving 4.15pm approx. Returning around midnight)

• No way, too far for a Friday night game
• Yes I'd definitely book the coach

Finally for now. We have recently started posting match highlights on our homepage once they are released by Clubber TV. We will also shortly be posting a listing of all the remaining Warriors Fixtures which will be found just above our Video Library.