WORCESTER Warriors’ players are determined to exact revenge over neighbours Gloucester at Kingsholm in the Aviva Premiership tonight (7.45pm).

Centre Jackson Willison admits he still has “dark memories” of last season’s 55-19 away thrashing at the hands of the Cherry and Whites.

And flanker Sam Lewis says the heavy defeat in January has been an extra source of motivation as winless Warriors look to “put them to the sword”.

Worcester conceded seven tries that day as Gloucester ran riot at muddy Kingsholm.

The loss also triggered the appointment of director of rugby Gary Gold who guided the Sixways side to safety.

Although Warriors have lost their opening three games Willison believes the squad have more “belief” than the crop of players who travelled to Gloucester last season.

“There are a few dark memories from last year,” he said.

“It’ll be a hostile reception there but it is something we have to prepare for.

“I still remember the muddy pitch which was a first for me so hopefully it’s not as bad and we can go down and play some positive rugby.

“Last year we got into a bit of a dogfight and ultimately they came off better.

“I think we didn’t really stay in the fight.

“After 40 minutes the feeling was we gave up.

“But there’s more belief in this squad and I think that’s one of our strengths now as we can stay in the game for 80 minutes.”

Since hammering Warriors, Gloucester have also strengthened their backroom staff with Johan Ackermann coming in as head coach.

The former South Africa lock has previously coached Super Rugby side Lions and Willison reckons he has changed Gloucester’s playing style.

“I have watched a bit of Super Rugby in the past and seen how the Lions play so I think we can expect Gloucester to start throwing the ball around a bit more,” said the 29-year-old.

“I think they will start taking a few more risks.”

Lewis was also in the team who lost heavily to Gloucester and said he and his team-mates were desperate to claim the bragging rights.

“We owe them one as we didn’t turn up last time,” Lewis added.

“They like to play so I think it will be a fast and entertaining game but we have got to pitch up in defence and take our chances.”