Warriors cheer up Ruddock

09 November 2009 11:57
Worcester gave their coach Mike Ruddock reason to smile as they got their LV= Cup campaign off to an impressive start with a comfortable 32-6 win at home to a weak but battling Newcastle.[LNB] The Warriors led only 8-6 at the interval, but three close-range tries saw off the visitors in the second half.[LNB] Ruddock said: "It was a good win for us. Our form has dipped of late, but I am very pleased - because it was a comfortable win."[LNB] He added: "It's ironic really, because I wanted us to try and get the ball wider - and then we win with driving mauls. But it did result from good play - because we secured penalties, kicked for the corners and then drove over well for the tries." [LNB] Last week Worcester were defeated 14-3 by Newcastle in a league encounter at Kingston Park.[LNB] Ruddock recalled: "Last week I was disappointed in a number of areas and I was anxious to avenge that defeat.[LNB] "I was especially pleased today, because we had a number of academy boys who stood up to the task - in particular prop Jack Gilding, who I thought was our man of the match.[LNB] "It was a big test for him to play 80 minutes against a quality pack."[LNB] Next week the Warriors visit the Scarlets - an occasion Ruddock is looking forward to already.[LNB] "We think this is a great competition, and there would be an enormous amount of prestige to win it - but it will be a very tough game at the Scarlets," he predicted. I will have to look at my squad, because we have two massive home league games after the Scarlets - and while not wishing to devalue the fixture, it is vital that I use our resources in a smart way."

Source: Eurosport