WORCESTER Ladies opened their 2006 account with a 17-12 victory at home to Vale of Lune.

The Premier League newcomers had already put up stiff resistance against Wasps and Clifton and provided Worcester with a stern test.

Both sides played a very different style of rugby, with Worcester opting to play the ball wide, and Vale of Lune playing to their strengths by keeping the ball in tight to the forwards.

Vale of Lune took advantage when a stray kick bounced awkwardly for the Worcester full-back and the Vale winger crossed for the opening try, which was converted.

Worcester bounced back from the re-start, putting pressure on the Vale pack, enabling turn-over ball for the backs.

Centre Claire Allen sliced the defence open and passed for Amber Penrith to score in the corner.

Worcester continued to look dangerous, throwing the ball wide, but kept Vale in the game by failing to capitalise on numerous opportunities.

The Sixways team were finally rewarded when a quick tap penalty from Katie White caught the defence off guard and she went over herself.

Hard work by the Vale forwards led to their second try and took the half-time score to 12-10 in their favour.

After the break, however, Worcester continually exploited the weaknesses in the Vale defence out wide but ended with no points to show for their hard work.

Vale were rarely in the Worcester half and some great defence by the Vale number 12 kept the game close.

Worcester's final try came through winger Shelley Lloyd after a backs move was finished clinically.

Their next game is away to Henley, who are currently one spot off the bottom of the table.