WORCESTER Ladies returned to winning ways at the weekend with a hard-fought 19-15 derby victory at Lichfield.

With their team depleted by call-ups to the England Women's elite 44-player squad, Worcester gave youngsters Becky Blakeway and Korina Corner their first starts of the season and both stepped up to the plate.

Worcester started the game in style, putting pressure on the opposition from kick-off, turning over the ball and showing what a skilful back-line they possess. They moved the ball swiftly wide for Amber Penrith to score.

The visitors could not capitalise on numerous opportunities within the opposition '22' and Lichfield began to gain confidence.

They had numerous penalties awarded in quick succession but only one of them was converted.

Later on in the half, Worcester had their first sin-binning of the afternoon, and Lichfield took advantage of the extra player to score through their number 10.

The second-half started in similar fashion to the first with Worcester putting pressure on Lichfield and substitute Georgina Fenton making her mark on the game with an excellently-taken try.

Worcester failed to finish off some promising moves and their frustration began to show when they received their second sin-binning.

Again Lichfield took full advantage by scoring near the posts.

The try was converted, leaving the score delicately poised on 15-12 with 15 minutes to go.

With the Lichfield forwards starting to look tired and Worcester sensing victory, the continuous pressure exerted led to centre Claire Allen making amends for her sin-binning earlier in the game to score the winning try.

Worcester don't have another game now until after Christmas and go into 2006 in fourth position in the Premiership.