Star performer Alex Grove was pleased as Worcester Warriors booked a last four place in the British & Irish Cup – but insisted it was crucial cup dreams were now put to one side as the ‘crunch time’ of league play-off draws closer.
Scotland international Grove scored one and set up a number of other tries as Warriors raced over the whitewash eight times to defeat close neighbours Moseley 57-15 at Sixways and secure a semi-final spot.
However, after the game he admitted his focus was already on Bristol and pushing his claims for a place in the squad that makes the trip to the Memorial Stadium next Sunday in the RFU Championship play-offs.
“It’s nice to make the last four,” said Grove. “There has been a lot of talk about cup rugby mentality throughout the week and by that Richard Hill means making sure we win the game.
“The last couple of weeks we have been a little bit guilty of switching off in the second half and allowing teams back in. We focussed at half-time about going out and attacking again and I felt we did that.
“We scored a few tries and we are just a little bit disappointed to concede the late try. But overall we were pleased with how we went and it is always nice to get 50 on the board.
“However, the cup is now put to one side and we have six games on the bounce in the play-offs starting with Bristol and it is crunch time – the business end as people like to say. I can’t wait and hope to be involved.”
Big tackling Grove pushed his selection hopes with an all-star display against Moseley as he showcased all the speed, power and skills that have made him a success at Sixways.
And the centre was happy with the way he teamed up with Alex Crockett as the hard-running duo were paired together for the first time.
“It is always nice to score tries yourself, but my role is about bringing the back three we have – in Chris Pennell, Miles Benjamin and Marcel Garvey – into the game.
“To not get them involved would be a sin really. Crocks (Alex Crockett) and myself in midfield have got to bring those guys into play and get their hands on the ball. It was nice to see them running them in.
“I enjoyed playing alongside Crocks, although we had no idea where he was going for his try. It was dummy, dummy, dummy and he was away in the corner.
“Since I have been back from Edinburgh, Hilly has wanted to see me play with all the centres. He has tried me out with Razzy (Dale Rasmussen) who I have played with many times before and feel comfortable with.
“Also with Higgy (Rob Higgitt) and Crocks, those guys have played time together so now it is up to Hilly and Phil (Davies) who they go with in the play-offs. All I can only control my game and I was pleased with how I went.”