Forwards Coach Phil Davies praised a day of big positives as Worcester Warriors cruised into the semi-finals of the British & Irish Cup with a 57-15 victory over local rivals Moseley Rugby.
Worcester ran in eight tries with Marcel Garvey (2), Pat Sanderson (2), Alex Crockett, Ollie Frost, Alex Grove and Ed Shervington – playing in the back row in final 20 minutes – all crossing the try line during an action-packed cup encounter.
Davies was delighted with the manner of victory in the quarter-final as Worcester join Bedford Blues, Pontypridd and the winners of Bristol and Ayr in the hat for the semi-final draw on Monday.
“We were pleased with the way we played the first 50 or 60 minutes,” said Davies. “We were quite clinical, scored some good tries and some good opportunist ones, but in the main from good team play.
“We made a few changes towards the middle of the second half and you are always going to lose some rhythm then. Credit to Moseley they played well towards the end.
“Matt Mullan played 80 minutes, Alex Grove is getting used to what we want to do and Joey Carlisle was fantastic orchestrating the game as well as kicking with some great touchline conversions. Marcel Garvey also grabbed two and played well.
“We were pleased with lots of performances and we also got players like Kai Horstmann back after a rib injury and Aleki Lutui back. There were lots of positives and we are through to the semi-final which is fantastic for the club and the players.”
Scotland international Grove was a catalyst for the victory as he set up a number of tries before deservedly grabbing a score in the second half.
And Davies revealed the Sixways coaching team had been pleased with the way the centre had fitted back into life at Warriors after his loan spell at Edinburgh earlier in the season.
Davies said: “Alex is coming back into it and getting used to our systems and calls. He has been away in Edinburgh, but he has fitted back in very well.
“It’s the first time that Richard (Hill) and I have worked with him and he has been excellent. He gives us a little extra in that outside channel with his pace and some good distribution skills.
“It was also good to see Chris Pennell come back and perform really well. Joey (Carlisle) stepped up at the start of the season and Tom Arscott has as well at full back, but Chris is our captain and it is now a case of looking after him.
“The first few games he has been back he has looked very confident and has been excellent. We just hope for more of the same from him.”
Davies also dismissed any injury fears over back row Pat Sanderson who grabbed a quick-fire early try double before being replaced by James Collins on the half hour.
“Pat had a tight hamstring – but there is no drama,” he added. “The doctors have looked at him and it was a precaution more than anything else. It was good to let JC (James Collins) have some game time too, he did well when he came on.”