LONG-serving Warriors scrum-half Matt Powell admits he has been disappointed with his form so far this season.

The Abergavenny-born half-back struggled to hold down a regular place in Mike Ruddock's first XV early in the campaign as the Warriors director of rugby rotated him with namesake Ryan Powell.

However, the latter was sidelined with a broken foot and the former Saracens and Harlequins number nine has been able to find some good form with a sustained run of games in the side.

The 30-year-old, who joined Worcester in the summer of 2003, said: "It has been frustrating so far this year. My form has been a bit up-and-down, but I have been able to have a run of games which has helped because it is difficult to perform when you are in and out of the side.

"I have started 12 games in a row now and, although I was disappointed with my contribution against Harlequins which was poor, otherwise it has been going well."

"Obviously, we all want to be winning every week, but I feel we are playing much better as a side now and playing alongside our new Kiwi signings has been brilliant."

Powell, who is currently playing in his 10th top-flight season, is now hoping Worcester can translate their red-hot European Challenge Cup form into Guinness Premiership victories.

He said: "We were disappointed to come out of the Christmas period of league games without a win and, despite doing well in the European Challenge Cup games, we have all been looking forward to the Bristol game for the last three weeks.

"Bristol are a physical team with a a good scrum and line-out. They also have a stong set-piece and a good kicking game. They work very hard for each other and today's game will be a massive test for us.

"We really have got a chance of winning and hopefully they will be a bit off the boil after two Heineken Cup games.

There is plenty of speculation that Ruddock will look to bring in a new scrum-half for next season, but competition for places isn't something that concerns Powell.

He said: "Ryan Powell is a quality player, so there is always someone putting you under pressure for your place.

"I don't know what Ryan's plans are for next year, but if he is to go, then I'm sure the club would bring someone in.

"They might try and bring in an absolute superstar or stick with the nines they've got."