WORCESTER clung onto the coat tails of the Premiership Two pacesetters by mounting a dramatic comeback against Exeter to score a priceless 28-24 victory under the Sixways floodlights.

They trailed 24-15 just after half-time, were outscored by four tries to three but mounted the recovery on the back of an inspirational second half display by replacement stand-off Ben Harvey.

Worcester still had to hang on in injury time as the powerful Exeter pack mounted an injury-time assault, adding a tense climax to a thrilling game.

"It's a result that's hard fought, and hard won and anybody who takes Exeter lightly with their set of forwards is dreaming," said director of player management Phil Maynard.

"The team has had some harsh criticism and they came out to win with good old fashioned passion."

Nick Baxter gave Worcester an early lead intercepting Sam Howard's pass to sprint under the posts from 60 metres out.

Tony Yapp converted but straight from the kick-off Jim Jenner fumbled five metres out and from the resultant pressure flanker Richard Baxter burrowed over for a try converted by Howard.

Worcester responded in kind and a clever line-out move saw the ball switch from Jenner to Richard Denhardt and when the ball rolled loose debutant flanker Simon Daws pounced to put Worcester five points in front.

Forward fire power saw Exeter number eight Andy Beattie drive over and cost Worcester the presence of flanker Lee Denham who later went to hospital with a neck injury.

Exeter then took control. Worcester were static and making too many mistakes while Yapp's failure to find touch put them under pressure and led directly to winger Martin Ridley creating a try for full-back Jon Hill.

Yapp kicked a penalty on the stroke of half-time but it was his final act as Ben Harvey appeared after the break.

Exeter went further in front when Beattie scored his second from a line-out but Harvey then kicked his side back into the game, gaining position with booming up and unders and then slotting two penalties in as many minutes.

Prop Tony Windo was sin-binned following an altercation in the forwards but the momentum was now with Worcester.

Exeter also went down to 14 men when centre Brian Meinung tackled Mat Walker high and late before the try of the game involving Walker, Tuipulotu and Baxter sent Andrew Higgins under the posts and gave Worcester a memorable victory.

Worcester: Tuipulotu, Baxter, Higgins, Myler, Walker, Yapp (Harvey 40), Fenley, Windo (Collins 49-59), Richards, Lyman (Collins 59), Denhardt, Raymond (Lloyd 59), Denham (Scriven 25), Daws, Jenner.

Replacements not used: Ball, Eastwood, Martens.

Attendance: 3,100 (approx).