JOHN Brain was on cloud nine after watching his side break new records.

The Sixways director of rugby wore a rare grin as his team beat Exeter Chiefs 25-14 at the County Ground, a victory which leaves Worcester tantalisingly just one win away from the Premiership.

It also set a new National One record of 23 successive victories, beating Rotherham's run of four years ago.

It all means that Worcester will be crowned champions on April 3 if they beat Bristol at Sixways and Brain was delighted to edge a bit nearer the promised land.

"Saturday was a great day for the club," he said.

"The wind was a big factor in the game and we had to control the ball for long periods. It all meant that it was a very difficult test for us because Exeter are a side in form and they are a very competitive outfit on their own turf.

"Exeter had talked up the game all week but we like to do our talking on the field and we're delighted to have come through that test.

"All credit to the players because they've stuck together and worked tirelessly for one another. They were desperate to keep our winning run going and it sets up what should be a fantastic occasion on April 3."

Meanwhile, a Ben Hinshelwood-less Scotland were humiliated by France yesterday in a 31-0 Murrayfield drubbing. The Worcester centre was left out of the 22 for the Six Nations clash as coach Matt Williams opted for Derrick Lee at 15 instead.

Hinshelwood had to watch from the stands as the 30-year-old had a howler.

Lee was sin-binned mid-way through the first-half for tackling Dimitri Yachvili in mid-air and was then replaced early in the second period.

"We made too many errors when we were in possession," said Williams.

"France are a very good side with very few weaknesses."