Richard Birkett's last-gasp try saw London Wasps record a narrow 14-12 Aviva Premiership victory over Worcester Warriors at Sixways.
Three penalties from Joe Carlisle and another from Andy Goode meant Worcester led 12-9 with two minutes to go, but Birkett's vital intervention saw the visitors snatch the win.
Looking to continue their fine home form, the Warriors came out with intent and Andy Goode kicked a penalty with just four minutes on the clock.
With a Worcester side who look to rely on their powerful pack and a Wasps team who have struggled in recent weeks, it was a typically tense and attritional affair.
Nicky Robinson got the visitors back on level terms with a three-pointer of his own but proceeded to miss his next two attempts as they failed to capitalise on their opportunities.
However, with the last move of the half and Wasps pressing, Robinson was successful with a drop goal as they went in 6-3 ahead at half-time.
Carlisle replaced Goode early in the second period and made an immediate impression as his penalty gave Worcester parity.
Wasps then regained the lead when Robinson kicked another penalty, but they were unable the shake a staunch Warriors resistance, as Carlisle kicked his second three-pointer.
The hosts' substitute fly-half then edged the Warriors in front but Birkett broke Worcester hearts when he powered over. Robinson missed the conversion but it was irrelevant as Wasps recorded their first away victory of the season.
The scorers:
For Worcester:
Pens: Goode, Carlisle 3
For Wasps:
Try: Birkett
Pens: Robinson 2
Drop: Robinson
Worcester: 15 Errie Claassens, 14 Marcel Garvey, 13 Alex Grove, 12 Dale Rasmussen (c), 11 Miles Benjamin, 10 Andy Goode, 9 Shaun Perry, 8 Chris Jones, 7 Jake Abbott, 6 Neil Best, 5 Craig Gillies, 4 James Percival, 3 Tevita Taumoepeau, 2 Ed Shervington, 1 Matt Mullan.
Replacements: 16 George Porter, 17 Aleki Lutui, 18 Oliver Tomaszczyk, 19 Adam Balding, 20 Sam Betty, 21 Ollie Frost, 22 Joe Carlisle, 23 Chris Pennell.
Wasps: 15 Hugo Southwell, 14 Tom Varndell, 13 Chris Bell, 12 Riki Flutey, 11 Christian Wade, 10 Nick Robinson, 9 Joe Simpson, 8 John Hart (c), 7 Jonathan Poff, 6 Richard Birkett, 5 Marco Wentzel, 4 Ross Filipo, 3 Ben Broster, 2 Steve Thompson, 1 Tim Payne.
Replacements: 16 Rob Webber, 17 Zak Taulafo, 18 Jeremy Castex, 19 Joe Burton, 20 Matt Everard, 21 Nic Berry, 22 Ryan Davis, 23 Chris Mayor.
Referee: Greg Garner
Comments
peterjdean says...
Sorry to be pedantic but it's actually Wasps second away win of the season. The London Double Header fixture against Saracens was counted as an away match for Wasps this year - and Wasps won.
Posted 07:30 29th October 2011