ANDY Keast believes Matt Evans' rise to the first team squad is reward for his outstanding second team form.

The back row forward has starred in the Worcester's recent victories over Bristol and Orrell at second team level and is included in today's National One squad bound for Henley.

Evans has looked the part particularly in broken play this season and Keast is delighted that the 21-year-old is coming through the ranks.

"Matt Evans has been playing really well for the second team recently and it's obvious that he will be a threat in a match against Henley," said Keast.

"A game which is open and quick suits Matt's game. We know exactly at how Henley play and his selection is based on his form and the opposition."

Keast accepts that Evans is one for the future but admits, he's learning fast.

"He still needs to work on his close quarter game," added Keast. "His knowledge as how we as a team are trying to play the game also needs to be improved but he's young and he's learning.

"He is working hard in those areas and he knows that if he improves, he will be a lot better off. What we know, though, is that there is talent there. We know we've got something to work with and he can only improve."

Worcester will notch up their 20th consecutive win in National One this season with victory at Dry Leas. With rivals Orrell not in action, a bonus point success will put the Warriors 18 points clear of the second placed side.

"We know they're going to throw the kitchen sink at us because they're in a basement battle," said Keast.

"We'll be prepared for that and with the other two rivals not in league action it does give us an opportunity to keep on putting the pressure on them.

"We've worked very hard in training this week and we want to keep our winning run going."