WORCESTER stepped up their pre-season warm-up with a comfortable 43-14 friendly victory over a Cornwall President's XV in Redruth.

They made full use of a strong wind to build up an unassailable 31-0 lead by half-time and showed far greater teamwork than in previous games.

Tony Yapp had his best game so far at stand-off, including a clinical display with the boot, and there were fewer basic errors across the team.

Cornwall proved stubborn opponents but conceded possession far too often including a host of knock-ons.

Yapp kicked Worcester into a fourth minute lead with a penalty for off-side but the opening try came from a counter attack. Cornwall found an overlap down the right but Nick Baxter intercepted the final pass before charging upfield to score.

Indiscipline from Tony Windo almost let Cornwall back in the game when his off-the-ball shove gave the hosts a five-metre penalty but lock Martin Haag's lunge for the line stopped just short.

Worcester then took control with Baxter turning provider to allow number eight Dave Merlin to score in the corner before a superb darting run from Yapp gave Baxter his second.

On the stroke of half-time a neat reverse pass from Yapp sent flanker Nathan Carter on the charge and hooker James Richards scored under the posts.

Cornwall came back into the game after the break and centre Simon Enoch scored worryingly easily by going over unopposed from a five-metre penalty.

Their second try saw right winger Chris Reece score in the corner. Stuart Reece kicked the conversions.

Worcester's response saw prop James Alvis muscle over from close range and they finished with a penalty try in the dying minutes for a deliberate knock-on.

Worcester: Morgan (McLaughlin 40), Walker, Higgins, Hughes, Baxter, Yapp (Ward 75), Harvey, Windo (Lyman 68), Richards, Allison (Alvis 40), Denhardt, Orgee, Cockle, Carter (Thomas 68), Merlin (Jenner 40).

n WORCESTER Seconds continued their build-up to the season as they came out on top 22-15 at Lydney.

The Gloucestershire team always provide tough opposition and Saturday was no exception as Worcester were pushed all the way before winning by three tries to two.

Early breaks from scrum-half Steve Powell and flanker Simon Daws almost led to tries for Worcester before Lydney went in front from a penalty.

Brett Scriven then pounced on a loose ball for a try only for Lydney to regain the lead.

Back came Worcester when a quickly-taken tap penalty saw prop James Alvis barge his way over the line which James Lofthouse converted.

Early in the second half, Lydney went in front again before a powerful run from centre Mike Sweetman resulted in a try for Lofthouse who converted and kicked a late penalty to seal Worcester's win.