DAVE Sims is hoping for an extended run in the Worcester Rugby Club side after a disappointing season so far.

The Sixways favourite, who was named player of the year last season, has found life tough under coach John Brain and makes his fifth start against London Welsh today in the Nat-ional One clash.

The former England lock, however, is just delighted to get his chance and is hoping to give the crowd something to cheer about after last weekend's disappointing 18-8 defeat at Rotherham.

"The last game I played at Worcester I couldn't do myself justice because I had food poisoning," he said.

"I had to come off at half time and felt really ill. I haven't had that many chances this season so I'm really looking forward to playing especially in front of the home supporters."

Sims was an integral part of former coach Adrian Skeggs' set-up last season but has struggled to break the second row partnership of Dan Zaltzman and Martin Morgan.

However, with Zaltzman sidelined, the former Gloucester stalwart gets his chance and he is not intending to let anyone down against the Welsh.

"It was obviously very disappointing against Rotherham last week but we've done a lot of hard work in training and we intend to respond in the right manner.

"The supporters have always backed me since I've been at the club. They've always been really good to me and I want to re-pay them with a performance against London Welsh.

"I played with a lot of the London Welsh boys in the National Divisions ga-me earlier in the season so I know they've got a good side."