ANDY Keast paid tribute to Worcester's never-say-die attitude which took them to the top of the National One table.

The Dartmouth-born Sixways coach was delighted with the team spirit and character which shone through at a rain-lashed Beacon Park.

"Sometimes you need to answer the question of whether they have the grit and determination," he said.

"They did that, they kept going and they dogged out a result in atrocious conditions. Even in such conditions they were positive and claimed a well deserved bonus point."

Worcester scored three tries before half time but Keast had an anxious wait until the 79th minute before the fourth and all important score arrived courtesy of Adrian Olver.

And Keast was pleased that the players kept their composure rather than letting conditions and niggly opposition get the better of them.

"That's what we would like to commend the players on. They showed real character to come away from Plymouth with a bonus point and a 30-12 victory. Sometimes you need a test and they certainly got one. They were up against the weather conditions and a hostile home crowd and everyone knows Beacon Park is a hard place to come and win. I know that better than anyone because I'm from this part of the world.

"The first half was a fantastic display of rugby and the second half was about dog. We've played all the rugby and then backed that up with determination and spirit. When news of Rotherham's dropped point came through, that was icing on the cake."

The league champions' slip up at Birmingham & Solihull meant Worcester went top for the first time this season and Keast was revelling in pole position.

"We are delighted with that but we know there is a long way to go yet. The main thing is that the performance was what we wanted against Plymouth and, as we've always said, if we get that right the results will come."

The former Harlequins man also felt fully justified in his refusal to revert to kick and drive tactics as he stayed loyal to his rugby beliefs despite the horrendous weather conditions.

"The length of pass was reduced to cater for the conditions but we still played football. I'm looking forward to watching the video of the game because in the first half we played some great stuff in dreadful conditions. That shows the quality of the players that they can do that against all the odds. But we push them and if you are confident, you can do it - there is no fear.

"We are not going to worry about the weather. It's a hurdle that I want to get over and the players proved that they can play whatever the conditions. You can still play attractive rugby in wet weather."

Worcester were last in Devon almost a year ago when they went down tamely at Exeter in similar weather conditions. Keast, though, believes that his side have made great strides since that December day.

"This is a fantastic result for us, make no mistake about it. They are a tough side and doubly tough in those conditions. We've come a long way in that time and we could have scored six or seven tries today. The key for me is that the players are starting to believe that you can play our kind of rugby in wet conditions."