Goode times roll for Worcester

Published: Thursday, 6. December, 2012 in category Northern Hemishere

Andy Goode scored all the points as Worcester maintained their 100 per cent record in Pool Two of the Amlin Challenge Cup with a 22-21 victory over Perpignan at Sixways.

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.

The Aviva Premiership side dominated the early exchanges in difficult conditions and led 6-0 after eight minutes thanks to a pair of Goode penalties.

Perpignan, who like their hosts also came into the match with two wins out of two in the competition, offered little until bursting into life with a try from scrum-half Florian Cazenave in the 17th minute.

Cazenave sneaked in down the right touchline on a wraparound move, catching everyone - including the Worcester defence - by surprise.

Goode edged Worcester 9-5 in front with a third penalty and then forced his way over from close range in the 36th minute for his team's only try of the evening.

He landed the extras for a 16-5 advantage but Perpignan stand-off James Hook was on target with a drop goal with the last kick of the first half to keep the French side in touch.

Two more Hook penalties, in the 49th and 54th minutes, were followed by a penalty try - converted by Hook - to move Perpignan 21-16 ahead with 16 minutes to play.

Goode came to Worcester's rescue with two further penalties, in the 66th and 77th minutes, to turn the match around just in time.

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.