MIKE Ruddock praised his young guns after watching the Warriors battle to a 22-21 victory over Bristol at the Memorial Stadium to complete a Guinness Premiership double over their West Country rivals.

Up-and-coming Sixways stars James Collins, Joey Carlisle, Chris Pennell, Matt Mullan, Tom Wood and Miles Benjamin all started the game and did not look out of place as Worcester came out on top against an experienced Bristol outfit.

Worcester director of rugby Ruddock said: "Starting with a few youngsters worked out great for us because it meant we had plenty of experience on the bench to bring on and give us a position from where we could go on and win the game.

"Having said that, we achieved a lot and blooded a few guys early in the game. Joey Carlisle did OK and there were a lot of good things about his passing game which got the backs away.

"There is a little bit of work for him to do on his kicking game, but the big thing was to get him out there and get the first game under his belt. He will go on to get better and better now.

"I thought James Collins did fantastically well - he has been quietly developing and maturing behind the scenes this season and we had no hesitation about starting him. His work around the floor was fantastic and, having played for England Sevens this year, it has really developed his pace too.

"There was one occasion when Bristol were clean through, but Miles Benjamin managed to get back and just make the tackle - that typified our efforts and I thought it was a fantastic performance by us."

Although Worcester out-scored Bristol three tries to one, Ruddock insisted his side need to improve their discipline after conceding a host of penalties which were punished to the tune of three points seven times by home stand-off Jason Strange.

Ruddock added: "We scored three great tries and there was some fantastic defence too - we need to improve our discipline, though - that was our biggest problem. We talk about it a lot, but our defence really let us down and meant that Bristol could keep the scoreboard ticking over. That put them on the front foot and kept their hopes alive when, really, we looked the more threatening team.

"You could argue that it was a victory for the try against the penalty goal. There were three great tries from us but, in fairness to Bristol, they pressed us hard, especially in the second-half, and created some good opportunities.

"Some resolute defence - we showed plenty of passion and pride too - gave us that little bit extra when the chips were down. That sort of character shone through.

"Although we were trailing early in the game, we knew there was plenty of time left and that we have the ability to cut teams open and score tries."

The game also saw welcome returns to action for front-rowers Chris Horsman and Chris Fortey as well as for Fijian flanker Netani Talei.

Ruddock said: "It was great to see Chris Horsman back on the field - he has been out for so long, but came on and did fantastically well. It meant so much to him to get back out there and show what he can do. Tevita Taumopeau has got a bit of competition for his place now, which bodes well for the run-in.

"We had quality like Greg Rawlinson, Shane Drahm, Ryan Powell and Chris Fortey coming off the bench, which was pleasing.

"Netani Talei came back for his first game in a while too and looked very threatening. He caught one ball in midfield, stepped, cut the line and set up a try-scoring opportunity."