ANDY Keast described Worcester's performance in the 71-14 demolition of Otley as "The best since I've been here."

The assistant coach was buoyant after seeing his backs tear the Cross Green side to pieces in Worcester's highest score of the season and an 11-try bonanza.

"That was certainly the best performance since I've been here," he said. "We keep on saying that we are trying to develop every week and we saw a clear progression against Otley. We are getting there slowly! We did our homework on Otley, we thought there were certain areas which we would attack them and we benefited from that."

Although Chris Garrard bagged five tries, Keast was keen to pay tribute to the whole team who, he feels, are beginning to really click.

"The interplay was impressive. Some of the tries involved so many players. This is not a backs game, it's not a forwards game - it a team thing. That interplay is something we try to encourage obviously and it is beginning to show the results."

Keast, however, was delighted for Garrard after his five scores.

"A couple he has worked really hard for and the others were created for him but that's the team play. Five tries in any rugby, in any game though deserves credit."

Apart from Garrard's display, the other major plus was to see three under-21 players given league experience. Neil Mason, Jon Higgins and Ben Hughes all played their part in a fine win and for Keast, that youth input is essential.

"Both I and John Brain believe strongly in that route. It doesn't matter about the age and we've said that all along. We don't care about the age what matters is performance. If you perform then we will have a look at you - that is the ethos. Whether you are 35 or 16, if you are good enough, you are in.

"All those young players have held their heads up high. Of course we are not naive enough to just fill the team with young players. If they are not ready we will wait before bringing them in. When they are ready they will be given their chance."

"I am proud of all the players," he added.

"I don't think they have been playing to their potential and it's my job to tell them if there are certain areas in which they can improve. They've performed today and that is what it is about. It's not about me being hard on them. It's about a development of the club and the sport and that's why I'm here.

"The supporters went away from Sixways happy and that's what it's all about. Next weekend is about keeping the standards that we set today.

"It's a lot of fun at the moment. There have been some hard words spoken but also some very hard work and the players should take the credit."