ANDY Keast has hit back at Exeter's director of rugby Ian Bremner following Worcester's Powergen Shield knockout.

The Sixways' coach responded to Bremner's post-match swipe at Worcester after seeing his side claim an 18-16 semi-final win.

Bremner was quick to point out the supposed financial gulf between the two clubs as some kind of vindication of the victory. However, Keast described those claims as "a myth".

"If you look at the side we had out on Saturday, in salary terms it would be a lower amount than the Exeter team," said Keast.

"It is a myth that they are semi-professional. They are a full time club and have the salaries that go with that. Good luck to them, they are through to the final of the shield competition.

"We have beaten them twice in National One and are 28 points ahead of them in the league. We are professional people so we don't whinge about injuries but if you looked at Saturday's side then you can make your own mind up about how we have suffered this season.

"If Exeter feel they are progressing then good luck to them. What I am interested in is Worcester's progression and despite Saturday I think we are heading in the right direction.

"A lot is made about the money at Worcester but it was interesting to note that Saturday's squad contained players who have come through the academy such as Tom Richardson, Neil Mason, Stewart Pearl and James Percival."

Bremner had said: "We do things our way at Exeter. We haven't thrown as much money at it as other clubs because we don't have as much. We've achieved what we have through hard work."