Moseley 3 Worcester 50

WORCESTER Rugby Club strolled into the fifth round of the RFU Senior Cup with a victory more than anything for John Brain's rotation system.

The Sixways boss made six changes to the victorious team at Otley and every player who came in from the cold proved too hot to handle for Moseley in a 50-3 drubbing at Bournbrook.

George Davis, Chris Hall, Neil Lyman, Dave Sims, Christian Evans and Duncan Roke all made telling contributions, particularly Davis and Hall who scored three tries between them.

And with Sunday's National One clash with Bracknell looming, it gives Brain the kind of headache all coaches will say they want, namely 21 players bidding for first team berths.

Certainly it has not been easy for the former Gloucester coach this season, sifting through the merits of his pack, but after such a glowing display by the 'second stringers' he now has a few tough decisions to make this week. Hall and the outstanding Nathan Carter showed the kind of aggression you sense has been simmering as they watched from the sidelines so far this year. They would be extremely unfortunate to lose their places after Saturday's performance.

In truth it was never a real cup tie. Not one you would expect from two supposedly bitter Midland rivals with the only flare-up coming in the 80th minute and that was more handbags than hand-to-hand combat.

The home side had actually taken the lead in the first minute when Terry Sigley slotted over a penalty. However, Worcester hit back seven minutes later when Ben Hinshelwood took advantage of a hesitant Carl Colvin to touch down and give the perfect riposte. Skipper for the day Craig Chalmers was about to attempt the conversion before he was pulled off the field after another hamstring twinge.

Hinshelwood eventually strode up to make it 7-3 before Chalmers was replaced by new signing Steven Vile. Brain had wanted to give the New Zealand fly half around 30 minutes in the match to build up his fitness but his hand was forced with Chalmers' departure.

Vile's introduction, though, hardly upset Worcester and they made it 14-3 soon after when Hinshelwood again touched down after lovely play from the dangerous Roke. Vile converted and Worcester were beginning to teach Moseley a rugby lesson in the university grounds. Vile's 35th minute penalty added to the visitors' advantage before the energetic Carter made a 30-metre break before passing to Roke who put in Hall for a fine try. The moment encapsulated the effort Carter, Roke and Hall were willing to put in and after Vile's conversion, Worcester led 24-3 at half time.

Following a wonderful rolling maul, Roke sped in for a try just six minutes into the second period to end the match as a contest, if indeed it ever was. Vile, looking an astute acquisition for his goal kicking alone, converted as the visitors went 31-3 ahead.

Ten minutes into the second half, Davis pounced for his first try after a line-out win but this time, Vile hit the upright with his conversion attempt. After a rash of replacements, Vile's beautifully flighted pass found Winston Stanley whose sheer pace and acceleration took him past two challenges before scoring a scintillating try with seven minutes left.

Vile converted but there was still time for the ever-willing Davis to bag his second of the day. After another forward drive, the former Bristol under-21 dived over for a stunning brace on his full Worcester debut. Vile again kicked the extra points for an impressive tally of 13 for the day.

Indeed, for just about everyone in a Worcester shirt it was an impressive display. A victory for them but also for the rotation system which Brain has introduced to Sixways. The key now is to keep them all happy and that will not be easy on the evidence of Bournbrook.

Worcester: Hinshelwood 8; Garrard 6, Roke 8, Yates 6, Stanley 7, Chalmers 6, Smith 7; Davis 7, Hall 8, Lyman 7, Zaltzman 7, Sims 7, Evans 7, NCARTER 9, Jenner 8.

Replacements: Vile 7 (Chalmers 10), Soper 7 (Sims 51), Pellow 6 (Smith 51), Ross 7 (Hall 55), Moreno 6 (Lyman 68), Mason 6 (Evans 68).

Man of the match: Nathan Carter - phenomenal work rate, strong in the tackle and supported the backs well. Has given John Brain a dilemma for the number seven jersey with skipper Kingsley Jones nearing fitness again.