101-487: Sixways Stadium is a stadium in Worcester, England . It is currently used for rugby union and association football matches and is the home stadium of Premier 15s side Worcester Warriors Women , Hellenic League Premier Division football side Worcester Raiders and West Midlands Regional Women’s Football League side Worcester City Women F.C. Prior to their administration and suspension from Premiership Rugby it
202-409: A mayor , and was designated a county corporate in 1621, giving it autonomy from local government. Thereafter Worcester was governed by a mayor, recorder and six aldermen. Councillors were selected by co-option. Worcester contained green spaces such as orchards and fields between its main streets, within the city wall, as appears on Speed 's map of 1610. The walls were still more or less complete at
303-686: A 28–24 win in August 2007. They were to meet again in the Britbowl where the Blitz again came out on top, 14–6. As a mark of respect, the majority of the Jets players waited on the field for the Blitz squad to collect the winner's trophy before heading to the changing rooms, and the Jets Head Coach handed his opposite number a bottle of champagne to celebrate with. The Jets got their revenge in 2008 with
404-759: A BritBowl championship in 2008. The first American football team in Coventry was the Warwickshire Bears, who were formed in February 1984 by two local men with assistance from the head coach of a United States Air Force team located at RAF Chicksands . The Bears played their inaugural season in the Midland Division of the British American Football League (BAFL), recording only one regular-season victory. However,
505-652: A baronial force under Robert Earl Ferrers and Henry de Montfort . Most were killed. The Worcester massacre was part of a wider campaign by allies of Simon de Montfort at the start of the Second Barons' War . In January 1275, Jews still in Worcester were expelled to Hereford . Worcester elected its Member of Parliament at the Guildhall, by the loudest shout rather than the raising of hands. Members of Parliament had to own freehold property worth 40 shillings
606-1342: A dominating performance, winning 41–15 to face the defending champions in Britbowl XXII. In 2009, the Blitz and Jets once again met in the Britbowl final with the Blitz taking back the Boston Trophy to London. The 2010 BAFA CL National final will once again be competed by both clubs, with the Jets looking to repeat the 2008 success. Quarterbacks Running backs Wide receivers Tight end Offensive linemen Defensive linemen Linebackers Defensive backs WR Tom Singleton-Wells selected for GB Lions Student squad, 2012. OL Krishan Sharma (also 2012), WR Alex Preece and LB Oli Campbell selected for GB Lions junior squad for 2011 European Championships. WR/SS David Saul selected for GB Lions for 2010 European Championships. Youth QB Joe Brammer selected for GB Lions Youth squad, 2010. DB Adam Biggs selected for GB Lions vs Centre College, 2010. LB Gary Clark selected for GB Lions vs Australia and Sweden, 2009. WRs Mark Cohen, Jeremy Simms, Joe Black and James Hossacks selected for GB Lions vs France, 2008. QB Tim Spaull BAFL MVP, 2007. DT Quinton Little nominated for BAFL Rookie of
707-422: A fire that destroyed part of the city, with citizens being held for ransom. Another fire in 1189 destroyed much of the city for the fourth time that century. Worcester received its first royal charter in 1189. In 1227 under a new charter allowed a guild of merchants was created, with a trading monopoly for those admitted. Worcester's institutions grew more slowly than those of most county towns. Worcester had
808-583: A game which was scheduled to be played at the Ricoh Arena, to open their season. On 6 May 2007, the Ricoh Arena hosted its inaugural American Football game. In front of a record 2000 fans, the Jets beat the reigning BritBowl champions London Olympians 27–20. In between these games, the Jets had played their local rivals, the Birmingham Bulls, and won convincingly 42–0. This game again drew a large crowd, totalling just over 1000 spectators (known by
909-685: A large workhouse was built on the edge of the city at Tallow Hill. Worcester in the late 18th and early 19th centuries was a major centre for glove-making, employing nearly half the glovers in England at its peak (over 30,000 people). employed by 150 firms. At this time nearly half the glove makers in Britain could be found in Worcestershire. In the 19th century, the industry declined as import taxes on foreign competitors, mainly French, were much reduced. Riots took place in 1831, in response to
1010-473: A major role during the season. More players arrived from Loughborough Aces and local BUAFL team Warwick Wolves. The newly opened Butts Arena became the Jets home stadium for the season. The team won every match they played in 2005, breaking several records on the way. In the playoffs, the Jets played the Dundee Hurricanes , beating a spirited squad 35–0. This set up a huge semi-final clash against
1111-548: A refugee from Germany, founded one of Worcester's last remaining glovemakers, Milore Glove Factory. Queen Elizabeth II 's coronation gloves were designed by Emil Rich and manufactured in the Worcester factory. Worcester was a centre for recruitment of soldiers to fight in the First World War , into the Worcestershire Regiment , based at Norton Barracks . The regiment took part in early battles in
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#17327801797171212-696: A small Jewish population by the late 12th century. Jewish life probably centred round what is now Copenhagen Street. The Diocese was hostile to the Jewish community. Peter of Blois was commissioned by a Bishop of Worcester, probably John of Coutances , to write an anti-Judaic treatise around 1190. William de Blois as Bishop of Worcester imposed strict rules on Jews within the diocese in 1219. As elsewhere in England, Jews had to wear square white badges, supposedly representing tabulae . Blois wrote to Pope Gregory IX in 1229 to request further powers of enforcement. In 1263 Worcester's Jewish residents were attacked by
1313-725: A team record for highest combined score; and that the Jaguars had three players on the Great Britain national American football team roster when they qualified for the 2005 European Championship of American football . After the Jaguar's first season, it was clear that progress needed to be made on the field. Off the field, however, the team was already quite successful. They led the league in attendance with an average of 500 spectators, secured sponsorships from Coventry Aquatics and Fitness First , and were gaining media attention. During
1414-534: A weekend training camp. Their hosts for the camp were the Bergamo Lions, perennial Italian Super Bowl champions and three-time Eurobowl winners. There was a joint training session and a controlled scrimmage. This was a tough test for the Jets. Bergamo boasted a roster with 17 North American players with NCAA or Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) experience and were led by former BYU QB Kevin Feterik. It
1515-521: A year. Their wages were levied by the Constable. The city council was organised by a system of co-option, with 24 members of the high chamber and 48 of the lower. Committees appointed two bailiffs and made financial decisions; the two chambers agreed the city's rules or ordinances. By late medieval times the population had reached 1,025 families, excluding the cathedral quarter, so that it probably stood under 10,000. Worcester's suburbs extended beyond
1616-466: Is a cathedral city in Worcestershire , England, of which it is the county town . It is 30 mi (48 km) south-west of Birmingham , 27 mi (43 km) north of Gloucester and 23 mi (37 km) north-east of Hereford . The population was 103,872 in the 2021 census. The River Severn flanks the western side of the city centre, overlooked by Worcester Cathedral . Worcester
1717-669: Is a former wide receiver with the Michigan Wolverines and has 10 years experience as head coach at the high school level in the United States. Offensively the team welcomed back receivers Dom Olney, Nathan Dobson, Mark Cohen, Jeremy Simms, Joe Black and James Hossack along with new addition David Sonne, a Canadian national from the Bristol Aztecs to forge arguably the strongest WR corps in the BAFL. Competing for
1818-589: Is also home to the Sixways Store and Warriors Ticket Office which are open throughout the week. The West Stand is the most established stand at the home of the Warriors. The West Stand houses the Clubhouse Bar and a separate food counter serving hot snacks. In front of the bar is terracing from which the game came be watched. The Sixways Premier Suites Upper and Lower are located to the south end of
1919-630: Is the home of Royal Worcester Porcelain , Lea & Perrins (makers of traditional Worcestershire sauce ), the University of Worcester , and Berrow's Worcester Journal , claimed as the world's oldest newspaper. The composer Edward Elgar (1857–1934) grew up in the city. The Battle of Worcester in 1651 was the final battle of the English Civil War , during which Oliver Cromwell 's New Model Army defeated King Charles II 's Royalists . The trade route past Worcester, later part of
2020-528: The 2012–13 LV Cup final on 17 March 2013. Harlequins defeated Sale Sharks 32–14 in front of 8,100 spectators and gained a place in the 2013–14 Heineken Cup as a result. The stadium has also hosted the Britbowl , the championship game of British American Football twice, in 2010 and 2016. London Blitz played in both finals, beating Coventry Jets 34–20 in 2010 and losing to London Warriors 36–15 in 2016. Worcester, England Worcester ( / ˈ w ʊ s t ər / WUUST -ər )
2121-731: The BAFA National Leagues with all club assets and teams being moved over to the Etone Jaguars based in Nuneaton , Warwickshire . The Jets were first established and named as the Bears in 1985 and merged in 1991 with the Walsall Titans. After a couple other name changes the Jets were reformed in 2004 and have competed in six BAFANL bowl games, including four consecutive BritBowl appearances from 2007 to 2010 and
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#17327801797172222-526: The Bristol Aztecs came about following banter traded between players in the build-up to the 2006 BAFL Div 1 Bowl game. Both sides are big and physical teams and there was no love lost on the pitch between the two sides. But the Jets treated the Aztecs to an overwhelming defeat, winning 52–20. Since that game, the banter has continued between the two sides and there is a great amount of respect between
2323-521: The Bristol Aztecs in a hard-fought 13–7 battle. They were up against the Blitz, who had beaten previous perennial champions London Olympians twice in as many weeks, and lost 14–6. The 2008 season saw the Jets compete in the European Football League , the top tier of European American Football as well as their domestic duties within BAFL. There were already some significant changes. Coaches Athersmith, Mitchell, Zerr and Barnes joined
2424-577: The Earl of Essex was soon forced to withdraw, and the city spent the rest of the war under Royalist occupation. Worcester was a garrison town and had to sustain and billet a large number of Royalist troops. During the Royalist occupation, the suburbs were destroyed to make defence easier. High taxation was imposed, and many male residents pressed into the army. As Royalist power collapsed in May 1646, Worcester
2525-649: The Eurobowl quarter-final and the Norwegian championship. He has previously played in France, Sweden and Germany. He is a graduate of the University of Sioux Falls , where he was the starting QB and still holds many school records. The Jets have been able to attract players from all over the Midlands and indeed England. Many of the original 2004 squad did not return for the 2005 season, an indication of how tough 2004
2626-718: The Local Government Act 1972 . The city had its territory enlarged, gaining the parishes of Warndon and St Peter the Great County , and it was transferred to the short-lived county of Hereford and Worcester . Hereford and Worcester was abolished in 1998, since when a re-established Worcestershire County Council has been the upper-tier authority for Worcester. Coventry Jets The Coventry Jets were an American football team based in Coventry , England .The club ceased to exist in 2018 and dropped out of
2727-650: The Oslo Trolls , losing by one point on the last kick of the game. The following year, in an effort to improve their overall talent level, the Bears merged with the Milton Keynes team and formed the CMK Bucks. However, the merger did not work, and the team folded losing a lot of talent to neighbouring teams, such talent as Von Sheppard University of Nebraska who played for the Titans from 1988-1990. The team
2828-678: The Roman Ryknild Street , dates from Neolithic times. It commanded a ford crossing over the River Severn , which was tidal below Worcester, and fortified by the Britons about 400 BC. Charcoal from the Forest of Dean enabled Romans to operate pottery kilns and ironworks. They may also have built a small fort. While there is some evidence that the late Iron Age defensive ditches on the east bank may have been dug out during
2929-505: The Royal Infirmary . Large stretches of the city walls were removed by 1796, allowing for continued expansion along Foregate Street, The Tything, and Upper Tything, and many townhouses were built or remodelled in brick. Worcester was a popular destination for wealthy visitors, who came to the annual Three Choirs Festival and horse races on Pitchcroft . However, parts of the city suffered from significant poverty, and in 1794
3030-585: The Second World War , the city was chosen to be the seat of an evacuated government in case of mass German invasion . The War Cabinet , along with Winston Churchill and some 16,000 state workers, would have moved to Hindlip Hall (now part of the complex forming the Headquarters of West Mercia Police ), 3 mi (4.8 km) north of Worcester. The former RAF station RAF Worcester was located north-east of Worcester. A fuel-storage depot
3131-638: The Toronto Argonauts and head coach Bruno Waldner who was a former assistant with the Minnesota Vikings . However, the Jaguars lost their first game, 14–6, at the Bulls and would then lose 44–8 at home against the reigning champion Olympians. Gordon and Donlin both returned to the United States so the Jaguars had to use an untried quarterback Jamie Kilby for the last part of the season. The Jaguars then suffered additional key losses throughout
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3232-496: The University of Warwick Sports Centre, using their 3G Tarkett pitch. In 2008, Adam Etheridge established the Coventry Jets Flag Team. The team proved to be very competitive in their first year of competition and were able to attract new people to the sport while being supported by the Jets main squad. WRs Mark Cohen and David Sonne, RB Shad McCook, QB Neil Balthazaar and FS Brian Over have all featured, helping
3333-499: The West Coast Trojans , the most anticipated game of 2005. In front of 1500 people, the Jets drew first blood, returning the opening kick-off for a touchdown (TD). The Trojans replied straight away, working their way downfield with GB Lions WR Mark Squire scoring. This was the only time they threatened the Jets end zone. The Trojans defence were manhandled by the Jets front five; RBs Coles and Perkins found huge holes in
3434-564: The dissolution included Greyfriars , Blackfriars , the Penitent Sisters, and the Benedictine Priory, now Worcester Cathedral. Monastic houses provided hospital and educational services, including Worcester School . The 12th-century town (then better defended) was attacked in 1139, 1150 and 1151 during the civil war between King Stephen and Empress Matilda , daughter of Henry I . The 1139 attack again resulted in
3535-460: The later 18th century the city became a major centre for the glovemaking industry. The wealth of 18th- and 19th-century Worcester is reflected in the city's architecture, which has been described as 'one of the most impressive Georgian streetscapes in the Midlands'. Many public buildings were built or rebuilt in this period, including the Grade I listed Worcester Guildhall , the city bridge, and
3636-587: The 1950s and 1960s large areas of the medieval centre of Worcester were demolished and rebuilt. This was condemned by many such as Nikolaus Pevsner who described it as a "totally incomprehensible... act of self-mutilation". There is however still a significant area of medieval Worcester remaining, examples of which can be seen along City Walls Road, Friar Street and New Street. There are two tiers of local government covering Worcester, at district (city) and county level: Worcester City Council and Worcestershire County Council . There are two civil parishes within
3737-540: The 2008 New Zealand Championship with his hometown club and Jets New Zealand partner team Papatoetoe Wildcats , was signed by Rio Grande Valley Dorados , an af2 team for the 2008 season. There have also been links with BUAFL teams before, with Jets personnel coaching with the Warwick Wolves, Birmingham Lions, Oxford Cavaliers, Leicester Longhorns, Loughborough Aces and the newly formed Liverpool Fury and Coventry University Jets. The senior Jets currently train at
3838-445: The 2009 national semi-final 28–14 for a third consecutive year. In 2010, they continued their recent fortune in the regular season, recording two victories but once again going down in the semi-final, 34–8. Not a local rivalry, but the Jets and London Blitz have brutal affairs nonetheless. Players and coaches on both teams have a huge amount of respect for each organisation. The Blitz ended the Jets unbeaten streak at Finsbury Park with
3939-466: The 3rd century AD, Roman Worcester occupied a larger area than the subsequent medieval city, but silting caused the abandonment of Sidbury. Industrial production ceased and the settlement contracted to a defended position along the lines of the old British fort at the river terrace's southern end. The form of the place name varied over time. At its settlement in the 7th century, by the Angles of Mercia, it
4040-572: The Bears were more successful in friendly games , with their best result coming when they travelled to London to take on the undefeated and eventual Summer Bowl finalist Streatham Olympians and won 26–0. In 1986, the Bears played in and won the Anglo Conference Central Division with an 8–2 record, including a BAFL record 100–0 victory over the Black Country Nailers. The Bears also hosted a Norwegian team,
4141-400: The Bulls travelled to Coventry full of confidence. However, the Jets were keen on setting the tone for the season, winning 67–0 in what is the Bulls' biggest defeat in their 25-year history. The rivalry was renewed in 2010, with the Bulls youth and Jets youth facing each other. Both contests were close, the Jets edging one 28–24 while the Bulls also won with a 30–24 score-line. The rivalry with
Sixways Stadium - Misplaced Pages Continue
4242-457: The Bulls, and won 27–0. After this they registered back to back 10–0 seasons. The Kent Exiles stood before the Jets in the BAFL Div 1A semi final. There was no repeat of the 2005 Div 2 Final—the Jets destroyed Kent 63–18. In the final, they met the Bristol Aztecs, who had overcome Ipswich 20–7. RB Tony Perkins took the ball down the field for a TD on the opening drive. The Jets scored three TDs in
4343-985: The Jaguars' lost to the Kent Mustangs in the league semi-finals, and then narrowly lost to the defending champion Bulls in the third place game. The Jaguars played in the NDMA Division I during the 1993 season, with games against the Birmingham Bulls, the Glasgow Lions, the Nottingham Hoods, the Leicester Panthers, the Northants Storm and the London Olympians . Expectations were high for the Jaguars, as they had signed quarterback and former Cleveland Browns draft pick Clemente Gordon , line-backer Steve Donlin from
4444-820: The Jets in the BAFL Premier semi-final. Ennis is a British QB and is regarded as one of the best in the UK. He previously played for the Birmingham Bulls and local BUAFL Birmingham Lions, where he set many team and league passing records. He has led the Bulls and Lions into the playoffs in their respective divisions before and won the BUAFL championship with the Lions. He is a talented athlete who may figure at free safety as well as QB. Dax Michelena, an American national, previously played for Eidsvoll 1814s in Norway, where he led them to
4545-696: The Knights coaching staff in the 2004 EFAF Cup Final loss to Swarco Raiders Tirol of the Austrian Football League . Coach Zerr, a Saskatoon native, took over as Defensive Coordinator for the 2008 season. Coach Zerr was a member of the Saskatoon Hilltops (CJFL) in 1996, who won a national Canadian Junior Football League championship in Canada and has nine years' experience coaching Canadian high school level football. Coach Barnes
4646-427: The Loughborough Aces, a local British Universities American Football League (BUAFL) team. Two American running backs (RB) also joined Coventry the team. The rest of the team was made up of local rookie players, however the Jaguars were competitive against all of their opponents in their inaugural season. In the Jaguars' first ever game, they lost 13–7 to the Oxford Saints and scored in all but one game. Throughout
4747-469: The Midland Railway's routes from Shrub Hill absorbed into the London, Midland and Scottish Railway . By the mid-20th century, only a few Worcester glove firms survived, as gloves became less fashionable and free trade enabled cheaper imports from the Far East . Nevertheless, at least three glove manufacturers survived into the late 20th century: Dent Allcroft , Fownes and Milore. In the 1940s, some Jewish refugees from Europe settled in Worcester. Emil Rich,
4848-442: The National Division Managements Association (NDMA) Division II Coca-Cola Bowl. They also had a notable win over the Upper Heyford Sky Kings, a United States Air Forces in Europe (USAFE) team and reigning USAFE champions. In 1992, Hunter left the Jaguars for the rival Birmingham Bulls , but Mark Cohen , who would also play in NFL Europe , joined the Jaguars. They once again defeated the Sky Kings, this time on their airbase , but
4949-467: The North Stand at Sixways Stadium to make it the same size as the Slick Systems Stand in years to come and complete an impressive looking front to the complex on arrival. The stadium hosted the 2009–10 LV Cup final on 21 March 2010 between Northampton Saints and Gloucester . Northampton won 30–24. Sixways hosted the 2011–12 LV Cup final on 18 March 2012 between Leicester Tigers and Northampton Saints . Leicester won 26–14. The stadium also hosted
5050-406: The Priory's status change, as it lost its Benedictine monks. As elsewhere, Worcester had to set up "public" schools to replace monastic education. This led to the establishment of King's School . Worcester School continued to teach. St Oswald's Hospital survived the dissolution, later providing almshouses ; the charity and its housing survives to the present day. The city gained the right to elect
5151-407: The QB role this year were Neil Balthazaar, Stu Ennis, and Dax Michelena. Balthazaar, a Canadian national and graduate from the University of Guelph played for the Aztecs last season where he led the team to a 5–4–1 record and a place in the BAFL Premier semi-final. A three-time Region of Peel All-Star and Canadian All-East Star faced the Jets twice in 2007, losing both games including a narrow loss to
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#17327801797175252-427: The Trojans defence. Quarterback (QB) Spaull had all the time he needed to pick apart their secondary, finding GB Lions pair Cohen and Tam Byrne for TDs before half time (HT), the Jets leading 41–7. The Trojans were done, they were beaten by a combination of aggression, power, speed and skill. QB McNey was sacked nine times in the first half alone. The game finished 55–7, the Jets rotating the whole squad and easing up in
5353-429: The Woodlands Wolves and Woodlands Wolverines, train three times a week, more than most BAFL and BUAFL teams. The Birmingham Bulls , being the closest team to the Jets, were fated rivals the moment they met. The first meeting took place on 28 May 2006 in Coventry, with the Jets comfortably winning 27–0. In the following season, the Bulls did not fare any better, losing 42–0 in Nuneaton and 52–12 in Birmingham. In 2008,
5454-566: The Year, 2005. TE/DE Michael Achola, WRs James Hossacks and Dom Olney selected for NFLE National Player testing, 2005. LB Parm Sidhu nominated for BAFL Rookie of the Year, 2005. LB Paul Newey, WR Mark Cohen and RB Steve Coles selected as GB Lions captains vs Centre College , London, 2005. LB Paul Newey, WR Mark Cohen, WR Tam Byrne, RB Steve Coles, DL Saul Freer and DL Bernie Hacksaw all selected for GB Lions Euro Championships, Finland, 2005. LB Paul Newey, WR Mark Cohen, DB Adam Biggs and QB Jamie Kilby all selected for GB Lions , winning
5555-615: The Year, 2007. C Tyler Matia signed by af2 Rio Grande Valley Dorados , 2007. DE Andy Steadman invited to NFL International Player Development camps, 2007, 2008. DB Danny Wardell attended NCAA Div 2 College, Southwest Minnesota State University , Redshirted, 2007. HC Gerry McManus named Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire Sports Awards Manager/Coach of the Year, 2006. TE/DE Michael Achola, DE Andy Steadman and LB Xin Xu selected for NFLE National Player testing, 2006. RB Shadrach McCook selected for Team England vs Team Scotland, Edinburgh, 2006. HC Gerry McManus named BAFCA Coach of
5656-459: The city at Warndon and St Peter the Great County , which form a third tier of local government in those areas; the rest of the city is an unparished area . Worcester forms one of the six local government districts within the county. Worcester City Council is based at Worcester Guildhall on the High Street in the city centre. Worcestershire County Council also has its headquarters in Worcester, being based at County Hall in Spetchley Road, on
5757-468: The construction of a new castle at Worcester, although nothing now remains of the castle. Worcester Castle was in place by 1069. Its outer bailey was built on land that had previously been the cemetery for the monks of the Worcester cathedral chapter. The motte of the castle overlooked the river, just south of the cathedral. Worcester's growth and position as a market town for goods and produce rested on its river crossing and bridge and its position on
5858-447: The defeat of the Reform Bill , reflecting discontent with the city administration and the lack of democratic representation. Citizens petitioned the House of Lords for permission to build a County Hall . Local government reform took place in 1835, which for the first time created election procedures for councillors, but also restricted the ability of the city to buy and sell property. Political corruption, particularly bribing of voters,
5959-525: The east side of the city moved to the new Corn Exchange in Angel Street in the mid-19th century. The Kays mail-order business was founded in Worcester in 1889 and operated from various premises in the city until 2007. It was then bought out by Reality, owner of the Grattan catalogue. The Kays warehouse was demolished in 2008 and replaced by housing. In 1815 the Worcester and Birmingham Canal opened. Railways reached Worcester in 1850, with Shrub Hill , initially only running to Birmingham. Foregate Street
6060-408: The east side of the stadium complex includes The PitchView Restaurant, The Business Club, The Duckworth Suite, The Worcester Suite, The Hindlip Suite and many boxes which are utilised every day of the year. Below the stand is the Slick Systems Supporters bar area for fans as well as food outlets and programme booths. The entrance to the East Stand is through the main glass fronted club reception which
6161-434: The eastern outskirts of the city. Worcester was an ancient borough which had held city status from time immemorial . When elected county councils were established in 1889, the city was considered large enough to run its own county-level services and so it became a county borough , independent from the surrounding Worcestershire County Council. Worcester was reformed to become a non-metropolitan district in 1974 under
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#17327801797176262-400: The end of 2006, Shadrach McCook, youth team RB, made the Team England squad for their annual game against Team Scotland as a WR, some achievement for a player who was yet to play a full game. In 2008, four former youth players made the step up to the senior squad — Shadrach McCook, Richard Morrell, Hallam Reid and Andrew MacKenzie, while Rob Shaw signed with the newly formed Leicester Falcons. At
6363-423: The epithet Fidelis Civitas (The Faithful City), since included in the city's coat of arms . During the 18th century Worcester experienced significant economic growth, and in 1748 Daniel Defoe could note that 'the inhabitants are generally esteemed rich, being full of business, occasioned chiefly by the clothing-trade'. The Royal Worcester Porcelain Company was established at Warmstry Slip in 1751, and from
6464-536: The face of the overwhelming numbers against them. The Scots were billeted in and around the city, joined by very limited local forces. The Battle of Worcester took place on 3 September 1651. Charles II was easily defeated by Cromwell's forces of 30,000 men. Charles II returned to his headquarters in what is now known as King Charles House in the Cornmarket, before fleeing in disguise with help of one of his officers, Francis Talbot to Boscobel House in Shropshire , from where he eventually escaped to France. Worcester
6565-434: The first century AD, there is no other evidence to suggest that this was used as a fort by the Romans. Scatters of military equipment and coins found in the city centre from this early period may instead have been lost during the course of road building, or won by the local inhabitants in battle, rather than being left by a Roman military garrison. There is no sign of municipal buildings to indicate an administrative role. In
6666-522: The first quarter alone. The game finished 52–20 securing promotion to BAFL Div 1. The 2007 season started well for the Jets. In preseason, they travelled to Milan to take part in the Milano Bowl II, facing the Milan Rhinos . The game was an early season test and the Jets won 49–0 in their first away European game. This was their first time entering a European competition, taking a place in the EFAF Cup . They beat Rivas Osos in their first EFAF Cup game convincingly in front of 1000 spectators at Manor Park,
6767-448: The flag team become one of the forces of the newly formed BAFL Flag league. Formed by Jamie Kilby and Jon McNulty in 2006, the youth team allows 16–18-year-olds the chance to play, coached by former Jets players such as Chris Hartley and Karl Burgess as an assistant coach. They were undefeated in their first three five-a-side games, having tied 18–18 in their first ever game against the Bath Cardinals and beating Chester Romans twice. At
6868-418: The half, a spirited fightback from the Jets looked to have swung the game in their direction, taking the lead 24–20 but a bomb from Exiles' QB Matt Duncan beat the coverage and put Kent up 26–24. On the following KO, however, Tony Perkins returned the ball all the way, not only sealing a memorable 30–26 win for the Jets but the MVP trophy in what will go down as one of the best finals in Britball history. 2006
6969-432: The league and made the Jets the team to beat. They were joined by former Sioux Falls Cougar QB Joe Wright and former St. Ambrose Fighting Bee Centre (C) Kurt Gersch. Links were also established with local BUAFL team Leicester Longhorns. Defensive end (DE) Andy Steadman, LB Xin Xu and WR Nathan Dobson signed for the Jets; all played their part in the team's success. In preseason, the Jets travelled to Bergamo, Italy for
7070-519: The limits of its walls Manufacture of cloth and allied trades was significant for the city. Medieval and early modern Worcester developed a system of craft guilds to regulate who could work in a trade, lay down trade practices and training, and provide social support for members. The city's late medieval ordinances banned tilers from forming a guild and encouraged tilers to settle in Worcester to trade freely. Roofs of thatch and wooden chimneys were banned to reduce risks of fire. The Dissolution saw
7171-436: The main training area for the Warriors during the week. Located behind the goalposts this stand hosts 30 hospitality boxes over two floors with spacious bar areas to the rear. The South Stand Terrace, in the middle of the stand, is a bar area that sells food and drink. The all-seater North Stand has to the left and right of the stand on match days and hosts many of our Family Season Tickets. Plans have been approved to increase
7272-472: The motor industry from Worcester Windshields and Casements, valve design and manufacture from Alley & MacLellan, Sentinel Valve Works , mining machinery from Mining Engineering Company (MECO) – later part of Joy Mining Machinery – and open-top cans from Williamsons, although G. H. Williamson and Sons had become part of the Metal Box Co in 1930. Later the company became Carnaud Metal Box PLC. During
7373-535: The offensive line and brought with them the experience of playing in Eurobowl with the Bergamo Lions . Defensively the Jets upgraded all areas. Bernie Hacksaw and Paul Rickhuss arrived on the defensive line, an area of concern the previous year with many linemen playing both ways. The Jets benefited from the unfortunate end of Nene Valley Hybrids and picked up line-backers (LB) Steve Booth and Gary Royer and defensive back (DB) Wayne Gumbs, all of whom played
7474-637: The offseason, the Jaguars rebranded as the Coventry Jets when it was announced that a Jaguar car plant in Coventry would be closing. While the team had no association with the Jaguar car brand, they wanted to distance themselves from the controversy. The Jets name was chosen to honour Sir Frank Whittle who lived in the city and invented the jet engine . In 2005, the Jets signed many new players including national team running backs Steve Coles and Tony Perkins and national team quarterback Adam Lane. John and Lester Hopewell, both offensive guards , upgraded
7575-599: The players of each squad. In 2007, the Jets again got the better of the Aztecs, winning 47–23 in Bristol and again 13–6 in the BAFL Premier semi final in Nuneaton. In 2008, a bad-tempered and physical game in Coventry, the Jets beat the Aztecs 28–15 and again in the semi-finals 31–28. In 2009, the Jets were once again victorious early in the season but suffered their first lost to Bristol, going down 40–33. They lost in
7676-416: The road network. The nearest Severn bridges in the 14th century were at Gloucester and Bridgnorth . The main road from London to mid-Wales ran through Worcester, then north-west to Kidderminster , Bridgnorth and Shrewsbury , and via Bromsgrove to Coventry and on to Derby . Southward it connected with Tewkesbury and Gloucester. Worcester was a centre of religious life. The several monasteries up to
7777-458: The royal court at Winchcombe as the episcopal see of a new bishopric , suggesting there was already an established and powerful Christian community. Worcester became a centre of monastic learning and church power. Oswald of Worcester , appointed Bishop in 961, was an important reformer alongside the Archbishop of York. The last Anglo-Saxon Bishop of Worcester, St Wulfstan or Wulstan,
7878-512: The season, the Jaguars recruited more players. American import Quarterback Tim Spaull replaced Kilby, and wide receiver (WR) Mark Cohen returned to Coventry after a prior stint with the original Jaguars as well as NFL Europe. The season highlights included: the team's first touchdown, which was fittingly scored by Jon McNulty on a completed pass from Jamie Kilby; a game against the South Wales Warriors , where they lost 60–32 but set
7979-676: The season, which led to the team folding at the end of the season. In 2003, American football returned to Coventry when former Jaguars and Bulls quarterback Jamie Kilby had the idea to resurrect the Coventry Jaguars team. Gerry McManus, and former Jaguars and Bulls player Jon McNulty, joined Kilby in recruiting coaches for the team. They were successful in recruiting former player Paul Newey, and brought Dave Cowan and Karl Burgess out of retirement. They also recruited four players (Ant Ridgway, Greg Williams, James Hossack and Owain Davies) from
8080-515: The second half. Their win meant that they were promoted for the 2006 season. They had one goal left, however, the division championship against the Kent Exiles, also undefeated. The Jets started nervously but got the first score on the board, QB Spaull finding Cohen. After that, the Exiles took control of the game, scoring 20 unanswered points and looking odds on to win. Angry at trailing 20–7 at
8181-530: The squad. Coach Athersmith is the current head coach of BUAFL side Birmingham Lions and worked as an offensive coordinator with the GB Lions and GB Bulldogs. Coach Mitchell was the head coach of the Ipswich Cardinals , who were finalists in the 2007 D1 Finals and has been a coach on 2 British National Championship teams, 2001 Ipswich Cardinals and the 2004 Farnham Knights . He was also a member of
8282-591: The stand and offer a bar area and dance floor with a live band after every game. Above the Clubhouse Bar on the second floor is the International Bar which is full of rugby memorabilia past and present, with views onto the pitch. Opposite is the Hallmark Bar which hosts an exclusive bar and dining area open to West Stand Debenture holders. The West Stand is also home to the indoor training centre, changing rooms and rugby department offices which become
8383-611: The start of the 2010 season, the Youth team named Sam Knight as Team Captain, Joe Brammer Offense Captain, Matt Gough "Goughy" as Linemem Captain, Tinashe 'Tj' Chieza as Defense Captain, and Paul Romaniuk as Special Teams Captain. This 2010 season brought a wealth of new players, including quarterback Joe Brammer from Texas. The Jets youth team later joined the BAFL League playing in the West Midlands Conference. At
8484-501: The start of the 2011 school year, a new junior team for 14–16-year-olds was formed at the Woodlands School , an all-boys comprehensive school in Coventry. The school has a strong sporting tradition in the city, regularly turning out champion rugby teams not just at the Coventry school level but across the Midlands as well and can count Rugby World Cup winners Neil Back and Danny Grewcock as former pupils. The teams, known as
8585-480: The team as the 'Jets Faithful'). With attendances from the first four home games standing at just over 4,200. The season would, however, end in disappointment. On 19 August, the Jets suffered their first domestic defeat in three years at the hands of the London Blitz , losing 28–24. This meant that the Jets finished second in the inaugural BAFL Premier division. The Jets again headed to Sheffield, having overcome
8686-562: The time, but suburbs had been established beyond them. Worcester equivocated, then sided with Parliament before the outbreak of the English Civil War in 1642 but was swiftly occupied by the Royalists. Parliament briefly retook the city after the Battle of Powick Bridge of September 1642, and ransacked the cathedral, where stained glass was smashed and the organ destroyed, along with library books and monuments. The Parliamentary commander,
8787-471: The war, most notably at the Battle of Gheluvelt in October 1914. The Vicar of St Paul's, Geoffrey Studdert Kennedy , became an army chaplain, later known as 'Woodbine Willy', as he brought cigarettes to soldiers during fighting and exposed himself to physical danger. The inter-war years saw rapid growth in engineering and machine-tool manufacturing firms such as James Archdale and H. W. Ward, castings for
8888-591: The works closed in 1871. The chairman was Alexander Clunes Sheriff . In 1882 Worcester hosted the Worcestershire Exhibition with sections for fine arts, historical manuscripts and industrial items, receiving over 222,000 visitors. The Foregate Street cast-iron railway bridge was remodelled by the Great Western Railway in 1908 with a decorative cast-iron exterior serving no structural purpose. Rail reorganisation in 1922 saw
8989-585: Was Weogorna . After centuries of warfare against the Vikings and Danelaw it had become a centre for the Anglo-Saxon army or here known as Weogorna ceastre (Worcester Camp). The Weorgoran were probably a sub-tribe of the larger kingdom of the Hwicce , which occupied present-day Worcestershire, Gloucestershire and western Wiltshire. In 680, Worcester was chosen as their fort over the larger Gloucester , and
9090-529: Was a reformer, who remained in office until he died in 1095. The city became a focus of violent tax resistance against the monarch Harthacnut (also King of Denmark) in 1041. The townspeople tried to defend themselves by occupying the Severn island of Bevere, two miles up river. After Harthacnut's men had sacked the city and set it alight, agreement was reached and the populace returned to rebuild. The first Norman Sheriff of Worcestershire, Urse d'Abetot oversaw
9191-469: Was also home of Worcester Warriors . The stadium is able to hold 12,067 with parking for 1,000 cars, Sixways has 60 modern meeting and event rooms . The ground opened in 1975 and is located off junction 6 of the M5 motorway , which splits into six directions, hence the name Sixways. The Stadium commenced building on the site of the old 3rd team pitch and club house after a lottery grant in 1998. On 7 April 2016 it
9292-464: Was also while the Jets were in Italy that links were made with New Zealand's Papatoetoe Wildcats. Their attention now turned to the upcoming league season. Opening against Staffordshire Surge, the Jets won 39–0 in difficult conditions. Next up were local rivals Birmingham Bulls. The Bulls were a division above the Jets and came into the game full of confidence. However, the Jets were just too powerful for
9393-411: Was announced that Sixways' pitch would be converted to the latest technology artificial grass ahead of the 2016–17 season . Sixways would become the third Premiership Rugby venue with an artificial pitch after Copthall stadium and Kingston Park but the first to feature organic infill rather than rubber crumb . The East Stand is the largest in the ground. The multimillion-pound development on
9494-686: Was another brilliant season for the Jets. To begin, they secured a major headline sponsor, international property development company Cassidy Group , who had just become the main sponsors of Coventry City FC and the Coventry Blaze . Their support helped the club to realise the full potential of the sport in Coventry. Again the club attracted arguably some of the best British players in the BAFL to Coventry. The signings of Jeremy Simms (London Olympians), Will White, Mick Mills Neil Edwards and Mike Dunson (Personal Assurance Knights) sent shockwaves through
9595-460: Was built for the government in 1941–42 by Shell-Mex and BP (later operated by Texaco ) on the eastern bank of the River Severn, about a mile south of Worcester. It was at one time used as a civil reserve storing gas oil and then aviation kerosene for USAFE . It closed in the early 1990s. Worcester Porcelain operated in Worcester until 2009, when the factory closed due to the recession. In
9696-712: Was endemic in Parliamentary elections, contributing to a string of Conservative victories even against a wider swing to the Liberals , and was investigated in the 1890s and by a Royal Commission in 1906. The British Medical Association (BMA) was founded in the Board Room of the old Worcester Royal Infirmary building in Castle Street in 1832. Corn trading which had taken place in the Corn Market on
9797-544: Was for the team. The Jets have had some success developing players. James Hossacks, Dom Olney and Michael Achola all received invitations to NFLE National testing days in 2005. Achola, Andy Steadman and Xin Xu were invited to NFLE training camps in 2006 and 2007. Andy Steadman went on to become a member of the NFL International Player Development squad. 2007 Centre Tyla Matia, fresh from winning
9898-554: Was opened in 1860. The WMR lines became part of the Great Western Railway after 1 August 1863. The railways gave Worcester jobs building passenger coaches and signalling. Alongside Worcester Shrub Hill station in Shrub Hill Road were the Worcester Engine Works. Their polychrome brick building was erected about 1864 and probably designed by Thomas Dickson . However, only 84 locomotives were built there and
9999-526: Was placed under siege. Worcester had some 5,000 civilians and a Royalist garrison of about 1,500 men facing a New Model Army force of 2,500–5,000. The city surrendered on 23 July. In 1651 a Scottish army, 16,000 strong, marched south along the west coast in support of Charles II 's attempt to regain the Crown. As the army approached, Worcester Council voted to surrender, fearing further violence and destruction. The Parliamentary garrison withdrew to Evesham in
10100-474: Was reformed as the Coventry Bears, and at the end of the 1990 season they completed a successful merger with the Walsall Titans and formed to become the (Coventry Jaguars). The Jaguars imported two American players; quarterback Travis Hunter from East Carolina University and tight end Craig Otto from the University of Minnesota . The influx of talent led to the Jaguars finishing 10–0 in 1991 and winning
10201-579: Was then heavily looted by the Parliamentarian army. The city council estimated £80,000 of damage was done and subsequent debts were still not recovered in the 1670s. After the restoration of the monarchy in 1660, Worcester cleverly used its location as the site of the final battles of the First Civil War (1646) and Third Civil War (1651) to mount an appeal for compensation from Charles II . Though not based on historical fact, it invented
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