WORCESTER Warriors ran in five tries to thrash Northampton Wanderers 37-5 in the Guinness A-League at Sixways.

Aisea Havili and Uche Oduoza both crossed the whitewash twice and Jake Abbott once as Warriors closed the gap at the top of the Northern Conference to three points.

Northampton winger David Smith missed a 40-metre penalty after only two minutes but Warriors were ahead two minutes later when Oduoza crossed.

An unforced error from winger John Brake led to a Warriors line-out, drive and quick ball through Nick Runiciman and Shane Drahm for Odouza's simple score. Drahm missed a tricky conversion.

Dissent from Northampton saw a penalty decision reversed on nine minutes and Drahm had a comfortable kick after Warriors had been marched forward 10 metres.

Paula Havea had an effort chalked off for a forward pass on 23 minutes but Warriors increased their lead 11 minutes later. Drahm kicked to touch and the resulting line-out was turned over for Havili to spread the play to Oduoza, who beat two men before touching down. Drahm converted.

Joe Ansbro scored a controversial try, which appeared to be knocked on, to give Northampton hope after 49 minutes but the conversion was missed by Smith.

Drahm converted a penalty for 18-5 and Havili's unconverted try increased the Warriors' advantage to 23-5.

Replacement Joe Carlisle made an instant impact to set-up Abbott for a score and then Carlisle kicked the conversion for 30-5.

The final try came deep into injury-time with Havili sprinting over the line and Carlisle converting.

Warriors: Gilding, Page (Wright 78), Black, Collier, Cox, Abbott (Mullan 82), Collins (c), Havea (Ruddock 63), N Runciman (R Powell 63), Drahm (Carlisle 63), Havili, King (Thomas 73), Grove, Oduoza, Wheatcroft (Best 53).

Attendance: 1,327.