TONY Yapp believes Rotherham's defeat at Exeter could have a major psychological effect in the race for promotion.

The former Sixways star's man-of-the-match show ended the South Yorkshire side's run of 38 successive league victories.

The fly-half kicked five penalties, a drop goal and a conversion in Exeter Chiefs' 30-19 victory.

That win gave second placed Warriors the chance to retake top spot yesterday and they duly obliged with a 70-14 mauling of Moseley.

Yapp believes the defeat may give more teams the confidence to beat Rotherham.

"Obviously if a team gets beaten then everyone thinks they can do the same," he said. "A number of Worcester players rung me to say they'll buy me a beer when I come back!"

Worcester's win and Rotherham's reverse means the promotion is very much in the Sixways club's hands again. They lead the table by three points and will clinch the title and promotion to the Premiership if they win their remaining four games.

It all adds extra spice to the April 12 clash with Rotherham at Sixways with the winning team almost certain to take their place in the Premiership next season.