ANDY Keast is warning his Worcester side that Bristol will treat tomorrow's clash as their cup final.

The Sixways coach watched the scenes at the Memorial Ground when the Shoguns recently beat Orrell in the Powergen Cup and knows the recently relegated club will be trying to re-create that atmosphere.

Worcester go into the National One clash (3pm) as league leaders following nine successive victories.

However, despite Bristol's poor start to life in this league, Keast is wary of their threat.

"Tomorrow will be a massive day for Bristol," said Keast. "When they'd beaten Orrell in the cup, you'd have thought they'd won the World Cup.

"The elation was incredible and we know that it will be similar tomorrow.

"If Bristol beat Worcester it would be their season. We know that, though, and that's why we will be prepared and ready for the challenge.

"They have a great rugby following down there and, in front of 4,000 people, it will be a different atmosphere to most of the away trips in this league."

Keast, however, has no doubts that his vastly experienced side will be able to cope with the vocal Bristol crowd.

"They are a team who can upset anybody on their day, especially at the Memorial Ground," added Keast. "They are a totally different side at home because it is a very vocal crowd and they really get behind them.

"I have no doubts, however, that my players will be able to deal with that. We spoke about that before we went to Plymouth and they came through that test very well.

"The type of players that we have actually look forward to the big-game atmosphere. They want to perform in front of big crowds week in, week out.

"It's a beautiful surface at Bristol but we will see just how we want to play when we get there and assess the conditions. It's not a great forecast on Sunday so we will just have to wait and see.

"We weren't totally happy with the way the backs performed against Exeter on Saturday so I'm hoping for an improvement."