‘It was vital we showed we care’

VICTORY was a bonus for Worcester's interim boss Gary Gold.

He said: “Today was all about showing the fans that we care. As long as we showed fight, the result wasn't as important.

“I'm proud of the guys as they had to take in a lot of information in a short space of time.

“We didn't want to do anything flash and there wasn't anything scientific in our tactics but we needed to shore up our defence.

“It'll prove to the boys that they can do it but the issue now is whether we are able to repeat it. We have to play many of the good teams in the Premiership in our remaining fixtures.”

Saracens' rugby director Mark McCall added: “It was very disappointing but all credit to Worcester, who pressurised and harassed us throughout.

“Our set-piece was very poor and we couldn't gain a platform.

“We chased the game too early, our discipline was bad and they kicked very well to keep us on the back foot.”

MATCH STATS…

WORC v SARA

9 Penalties conceded 15

7 Lineouts won 15

1 Lineouts lost 3

6 Scrums won 3

1 Scrums lost 0

1 Sin bin 1

TEAMS

WORCESTER: Adams 7, Heem 6, Olivier 6, Willison 6, Humphreys 6, Mills 9, Hougaard 9, Bower 7 (Johnston 79, 6), Singleton 7 (Bregvadze 45, 6), Schonert 7 (Alo 61, 6), O'Callaghan 8 (Cavubati 75, 6), Spencer7, Vui 8, Faosiliva 8, Lewis 7 (Mama 65, 6). Not used: Lamb, Howard, Baldwin

SARACENS: Gallagher 4, Ashton 6, Tompkins 5 (Bosch 55, 6), Barritt 5, Ellery 4, Lozowski 5, Wigglesworth 6 (Spencer 56, 6), Barrington 6 (Lamoistele 45, 6), Brits 6, Du Plessis 5 (Figallo 40, 6), Hamilton 6, Rhodes 6, Fraser 5 (Brown 55, 6), Wray 5, Burger 6. Not used: Saunders, Flanagan

REFEREE: Tom Foley

ATTENDANCE: 7,302

Star man

Francois Hougaard – Worcester