WORCESTER survived a late Leeds rally last night to book their place in the European Shield final.

The Tykes scored three late second-half tries to raise hopes of a dramatic comeback but the Warriors eventually held on to force a 30-30 draw and go through 73-64 on aggregate.

Worcester carved out a 20-8 half-time lead through tries from Paul Sampson, Daren O'Leary and Duncan Roke plus a penalty and conversion from Tommy Hayes.

However, after surging into a 27-13 lead in the second period, following Hayes' 50th minute touchdown and conversion, Leeds hit back with tries from David Doherty, Jon Dunbar and Dan Hyde to move 30-27 in front.

James Brown's late, late penalty, though, gave Worcester a share of the spoils on the night and kept their nine-point first leg advantage intact.

It meant that Worcester had made it through to their first ever European final and they now look forward to a May 21 date at Oxford's Kassam Stadium. It was also a night where some of Worcester's fringe players put up their hand for a new contract after limited Premiership play this season.

"It was good to get out there and play some rugby," said one such player, Gary Trueman afterwards. The centre, who played despite nursing a painful rib injury, was delighted that Worcester were through to the Euro final.

"We're very happy because tonight was a chance for some of the boys, who haven't played much this season, to show what they could do. It was an opportunity for players who are looking for new contracts.

"You have to be satisfied with reaching a European final in your first Premiership season and beating Leeds is always nice!"

Roke and Hylton stole the show for Worcester as both sides seemed to enjoy the freedom without the pressure of a Premiership survival battle. The Warriors made mass changes -- with next Saturday's Northampton clash in mind -- while Leeds were without all 15 of their Powergen Cup heroes.

Tim Stimpson kept Leeds in touch during the first-half with a penalty and a try but the Yorkshire side looked the most threatening after hooker Chris Hall had been sin-binned mid-way through the period for killing the ball.

Worcester simply had too much craft and gas out wide and looked a threat, especially on the counter-attack. Leeds had the better of the second-half and, after yellow cards for Saosi Vaili and Michael Cusak, the game resembled more of a sevens contest rather than a semi-final. However, despite the late scare for the visitors, they hung on to secure their final date next month.

Worcester: O'Leary 7; Sampson 7, Roke 9, Trueman 7, Hylton 8; Hayes 8 (Brown 68, 6), Stuart-Smith 7; Hartley 6, Hall 6, Sparks 7, Murphy 7 (Hickey 40, 7), MacLeod-Henderson 7, Daly 7, Mason 6, Vaili 6.

Attendance: 1,335.