WORCESTER maintained their 100 per cent record in the Women’s Rugby Premiership with a hard-fought 21-3 victory at home to Bristol.

The visitors were clearly keen to gain revenge for their early season mauling at the hands of Worcester and started the game at tremendous pace with powerful forward play in which Sasha Acheson was prominent.

Bristol’s early pressure appeared to upset the league-leaders and it took a long time for them to settle into their rhythm.

It came as no surprise that Bristol took the lead after 10 minutes with an Amber Reed penalty following some desperate defending from Heather Fisher.

Worcester then settled and from their first flowing play of the game, Darryl Poole and Sarah Guest interchanged passes to provide Samantha Bree with a typical winger’s try in the corner.

The home side then enjoyed a period of domination and the superior forward power enabled Karen Jones to score following a five-metre scrum and drive.

The second-half saw Bristol dominate possession but it was generally within their own half as the home side defended aggressively despite the sterling efforts of Marley Packer, Issie Noel Smith and Claire Molloy, who all made a significant contribution to Bristol’s efforts.

However, despite the possession, the visitors never looked likely to score a try, such was the power and determination of the home defence. In the final quarter Worcester’s persistence and patience paid dividends as Bristol were gradually broken down. Two penalties from Megan Goddard increased the home side’s lead to a comfortable 16-3.

Lydia Thompson, having been introduced after 57 minutes following a long injury lay-off, finished the game with a devastating burst of speed following a passage of backs play.

It was not an attractive game of rugby with Worcester clearly showing the visitors respect and exercising caution.

However, Worcester’s defence remained solid throughout which bodes well for the remainder of the season.

This was the first game that the home side have failed to achieve a winning bonus point and credit must go to Bristol for containing the score.