WORCESTER came within a few metres of one of the most famous results in their history on an extraordinary night at Welford Road.

Despite going into the match as massive outsiders, Warriors succeeded in silencing the home crowd and keeping Leicester's star-studded team at bay for long stretches of the game.

And, had they profited from a number of line-outs deep in Leicester territory late on, they would have ended Tigers' two-year unbeaten home run.

It was not to be, but at least Warriors have restored some pride and sorted out their defence after the previous week's embarrassment against Sale. They also claimed what could be a crucial bonus point come the end of the season.

The forwards worked tirelessly against one of the toughest packs around and Shane Drahm gave another fine exhibition of his kicking game.

Not only was he successful with six out of six attempts but he was also spot-on with his punts to touch.

Warriors handed Irish hooker Gavin Hickie a full Premiership debut, while Gary Trueman made his first start in the league this season.

Trueman came into the side as a replacement for wing Aisea Havili. The Tongan had been suffering from a dead leg and his absence denied Warriors their most potent attacker.

But, if there was a lack of cutting edge in the backs, they looked a much more solid defensive outfit than they had six days previously. Wing Mark Tucker gave his most accomplished display yet in a Warriors shirt despite being yellow-carded for killing the ball when a Leicester try seemed inevitable.

Signs that a potential upset was on the cards came as early as the sixth minute when a Drahm penalty put Worcester ahead.

But four minutes later, the hosts regained the initiative when Andy Goode fed inside-centre Ollie Smith and he sprinted clear under the posts.

It seemed the natural order had been restored and Tigers would run riot, especially with the back three of Geordan Murphy, Alesana Tuilagi and Tom Varndell starting to find space.

But Warriors were strong and disciplined and they hung on valiantly. Goode, a former Bromsgrove School pupil, kicked another two penalties but, on both occasions, Tigers were penalised from the re-start and Drahm held his nerve.

And all of a sudden Warriors were ahead after an excellent move from a line-out.

Hickie may not have the bulk of an Andre Van Niekerk or a Chris Fortey, but he has a nifty turn of pace and his break started the move that culminated in Tucker supplying Dale Rasmussen to score in the corner.

A late Leicester penalty kept the scores level at half-time.

When Tuilagi powered past Nicolas Le Roux for a try seven minutes after the interval, it seemed once again that the writing was on the wall.

But, with Tucker in the sin bin, Worcester continued to frustrate the East Midlanders and the crowd began to get impatient with the constant presence of the Warriors physio.

The tactics may have been cynical but they worked and, when Drahm kicked a brilliant penalty from inside his own half, Worcester were ahead.

After sustained pressure, Leicester centre Matt Cornwell scored what proved to be the winning try but there was still plenty of drama.

Twice Leicester lock Leo Cullen saved their bacon with steals at the line-out but Warriors had one last chance six minutes into injury-time.

Horstmann won the five-metre line-out and the drive was on. When the ball re-appeared, Matt Powell went for the line. He was penalised for holding on and Worcester's chance of a dramatic win had gone.

Warriors: Le Roux; Trueman, Rasmussen, Lombard, Tucker (Whatling); Drahm, Gomarsall (Powell); Windo, Hickie (Van Niekerk), Taumoepeau, Murphy, Gillies, Horstmann, Harding, Hickey (Vaili). Warriors man-of-the-match: Drahm

Referee: Davis Rose. Attendance: 16,815.