Worcester claim easy win

A second-half surge, inspired by fly-half Willie Walker, saw Worcester score 14 unanswered points in 10 minutes. Centre Alex Grove and wing Marcel Garvey claimed well-executed touchdowns, while Walker's contribution of a drop-goal, four penalties and a conversion underpinned Warriors' victory charge.

Leeds though, look destined to endure a long survival battle. They scored a classy first-half try through centre Jonny Hepworth, and former England scrum-half Andy Gomarsall used his vast experience to good effect, yet Worcester were never seriously threatened.

Not even Grove's 60th-minute sin-binning could offer Leeds a route back into the contest.

Walker slotted an early penalty but Leeds stung them by scoring from their first noteworthy attack. Some last-ditch defending by home scrum-half Ryan Powell could not prevent a scrum near the Worcester line, and quickfire first-phase possession resulted in Hepworth slicing through Warriors' midfield defence for a quality touchdown.

Ceiron Thomas converted, but the lead lasted just four minutes, with Worcester prospering after a well-placed kick by Walker had the visitors back-pedalling. Slick passing then freed Grove, and the 21-year-old Worcester academy product powered over, handing off a half-hearted Leeds challenge in the process.

It was a fine finish by Grove, and Walker's successful conversion gave the home side a 10-7 advantage.

Two penalties and a 40-metre drop-goal during four virtuoso minutes put Leeds in deep trouble, yet Worcester had not finished with their third-quarter scoring blitz.

The visitors could not release a stranglehold Walker had exerted, and Garvey effectively finished the game as a contest when he darted over from 30 metres out.

A yellow card for Grove stalled Worcester's momentum, yet another Walker penalty four minutes from time gave him a 17-point haul and wrapped up an emphatic home success.