Matt Corker can think of no better way of marking his 100th league appearance for London Welsh than with victory over promotion favourites Worcester at Old Deer Park next Saturday (3pm).
The London Welsh second row has been on the losing side against the Warriors three times already this season, and Saturday would be the ideal time for Corker and Welsh to end that losing sequence.
Victory would be only Welsh’s second win ever over Worcester since the Dragons won the first-ever meeting between the two sides in 1997, and would also keep Phil Greening’s side on course for a place in the Championship semi-finals.
“The last time we played Worcester we were very disappointed as a team, to have been leading for such a large part of the game and to lose in the end by the margin we did was a bitter pill to swallow.” said Corker.
Corker initially joined Welsh from on loan Wasps, making his debut in a 33-29 win over Coventry at Old Deer Park in September 2007. He went on to make 17 league appearances in that season.
The 2008/09 season saw him establish himself in the Welsh second row, making 29 league appearances and scoring a debut try for the club in the 40-12 win over Newbury at Old Deer Park.
Last season he helped Welsh reach the Championship semi-finals and his performances earned him a place in Rugby Times’ Championship Dream Team as well as being named Supporters Club Player of the Year.
The season saw him rack up 28 league appearances and brought just his second league try for the club in a 51-13 win over Coventry at Old Deer Park.
Before joining Welsh, Corker made his Wasps debut in August 2005 against Exeter Chiefs in a pre-season friendly at the Causeway. His competitive debut came in the Guinness Premiership clash with Worcester in March 2006.
When Welsh met Worcester met three weeks ago at Sixways in round 2 of the play-offs, Welsh led 24-14 with 25 minutes remaining only for Worcester to hit the Dragons with a four-try blitz.
Richard Hill’s side have lost just once in the league all season and last weekend guaranteed their place in the last four, and victory on Saturday over Welsh would ensure them a home semi-final at Sixways.
“We have improved so much as a team and a lot of what we have been working on all season is now falling into place. Our ultimate goal is to progress to the semi-finals and beyond and a win on Saturday will put us on an excellent footing to do that.” said Corker.”