ANDY Keast believes Duncan Roke epitomises the improvement in Worcester Rugby Club's fortunes sin-ce their 18-8 defeat at Rotherham last season.

On that day, the fledgling full -back struggled in heavy conditions as Rotherham put him un-der the cosh from the very first minute.

However, Roke ended last season in fine form and has already racked up 13 tries in this campaign as he revels in his role at 15.

And Worcester coach Keast believes the former Henley man was ready for another test at Rotherham today.

"Rotherham play a kicking game and they will try to put him under pressure," he said.

"But when we talk about our im-provement as club, Duncan has im-proved 50 per cent from that day at Clifton Lane.

"Duncan was just a rookie full-back then but he has made great strides since then.

"In my opinion now, he is the best full back in the league. I don't think the conditions helped him on the day but we know that Millmoor is a good surface so that is good news for us."

The match represent a checkpoint for Worcester after substantial imp-rovement this season.

"They now have the chance to see just how far they have come this season

"Today's game will give us some idea as to where we are with Rotherham but I don't think it will be a definite one," added Keast.

"You want to test yourself against them. We've certainly caught up with them and improved - that's our belief. Week by week we are improving.

"Also if you compare last season's squad to this one, I think we have moved forward. I guess we'll know how far we still have to go at 5pm today."