WORCESTER Ladies made an encouraging start to their national Senior Cup campaign, scoring 12 tries without reply on a heavy pitch against Trojans to record an emphatic 72-0 victory in Southampton.

The visitors really should have scored very early in the game as they completely dominated in the opening 11 minutes, but a series of handling errors at crucial moments matched by resolute robust defence kept them at bay.

The deadlock was finally broken when prop Rochelle Clark’s power saw her drive over to open Worcester’s account.

Once the ice had been broken, the game became one of attrition for Trojans as Worcester continued to apply pressure.

Further tries came from a Kelly Smith hat-trick, a brace from Lisa Campbell, Kelly Shields, Ceri Large, Rhiannon Watkins, Megan Goddard, Samantha Parker and Nikitta Flynn.

Goddard and Large shared the kicking duties, but difficult conditions restricted the extras to just three conversions each.

Worcester fielded 11 second team players in this fixture, each getting valuable experience of game-time at a higher level and none looked out of place, which bodes well for the current team-building process.

Lizzie Binks was outstanding, while debutant Nikitta Flynn gave an impressive performance and Rhi Parker, getting her first start at number nine, was a lively and disruptive presence.

Trojans must be applauded for their never-say-die attitude.

They fought hard throughout, making countless tackles and despite being overwhelmed, maintained their spirit and true sportsmanship to the end.

Once again Worcester had some excellent travelling support, for which players and coaches are grateful.

Worcester return to league action this weekend, visiting Wasps in the Premiership with a 2pm kick-off at Tywford Avenue, Acton.

The Worcester second team entertain Buckingham in Championship Midlands Two at Westons Fields, 2pm kick-off.