THE boys returned from Ireland hugely disappointed with the British & Irish Cup defeat at the hands of Leinster ‘A’.

Our mixed side of first team squad members and promising academy players put up a strong effort but, ultimately, the unforced errors cost us.

Their legs will no doubt be aching well into this week after a long round trip to Donnybrook.

Speaking to some of the guys who made the trip, we struggled to keep our intensity for the full 80 minutes.

We did, however, cause problems when we kept hold of the ball and stuck to our structure — something we will be looking to do this weekend for the entirety of the game.

I know those who play will be fighting hard to put the club back to winning ways against Plymouth Albion on Saturday.

It was fantastic to see Alex Grove back in a Warriors jersey following his loan spell at Edinburgh. I have mentioned before how he will strengthen our centre options and I am looking forward to seeing him play this weekend at Sixways.

The competition for places is really heating up with the likes of Ed Shervington having a very strong game in Dublin.

Many others are biting at the heels of those currently sporting the starting jerseys for the league fixtures.

Plymouth will also be looking to get back to winning ways after back-to-back defeats to the Pirates.

What has been interesting is looking at the starting line-ups for these games.

In all competitions, both sides have stuck fairly closely to the same squad.

Where we are lucky is being able to rest and even develop players during this time as we are blessed with a larger squad.

All going to plan, once we reach the play-offs, this extra strength in depth will show.

There could also be the argument of people losing match sharpness. Trust me when I say this will not be an issue at Cornish Pirates in the Championship at the end of this month.

The remainder of the squad continue our development during the January mini-pre-season. When you read this we will be half-way through the second week and longing for the weekend!

It has been really good to be properly involved in training again with the rest of the guys.

What it has made me realise is how much hard work I’ve got ahead to keep up with these guys. The bar has been raised once more.

I would like to quickly say a big congratulations to Matt Mullan and Jake Abbott.

I was very pleased to see Jake re-sign. He is Worcester through and through and hugely dedicated.

Being injured is a stressful enough time as it is, but securing his immediate future will be a big burden off his mind.

Matt has managed to break the mould once more after being named in the Saxons squad despite our current standings in the professional game. Matt epitmoises what it is to be a professional and I have every faith that next season, it will be the full EPS squad he reaches. Well done guys.

All that’s left is to wish you well and I look forward to seeing you on Saturday to watch the boys get us back to winning ways.