WORCESTER completed a double over Lichfield in the Women’s Premiership with a narrow 20-17 away victory.

The visitors’ inconsistent form was once again on view and they were forced onto the back foot in the early stages by a Lichfield side determined to clinch a win.

Lichfield threw everything at the visitors from the onset but due to an unusual lack of kicking form from Vicky Jackson, were unable to capitalise as the early penalty count mounted against Worcester.

However, their constant pressure was eventually rewarded with an excellent move along the back line which resulted in a try but Jackson again failed to convert.

Lichfield’s recent run of poor form appeared to be over when Emily Braun ran in for an unconverted try and a 10-0 advantage.

It was a wake-up call for Worcester and they started to show some of attacking flair.

Following a turnover, Worcester played the phases then released player-of-the-match Steph Johnston to sweep through a defensive gap, elude two defenders and score under the posts. Megan Goddard obliged with the extras.

Worcester continued to push forward and, on the stroke of half-time, were awarded two penalties, the second of which Goddard converted to level.

After the interval, Worcester took the lead when great vision from England fly-half Ceri Large placed a cross-kick into space for the chasing Johnson to secure her second try, which Goddard converted.

Lichfield hit back and poor defensive play from Worcester led to England scrum-half Natasha Hunt feeding Jackson for a converted try which again brought the scores level.

With time running out, a draw looked the most likely outcome, however Worcester’s Lauren Chenoweth set off on a devastating run, off-loading almost on the line to Sophie Watkiss, but her touchdown was judged to have been held up.

The visitors were not to be denied and a penalty for a scrum infringement allowed Goddard to finish an excellent personal afternoon and clinch victory.