WORCESTER Cavaliers opened their Aviva A-League campaign with a 29-12 victory over Sale Jets at Sixways.

Cavaliers dominated the first-half, scoring early tries through Perry Humphreys and Josh Adams before Mat Gilbert crossed for a brace to give them a 24-0 interval lead.

Sale reduced the deficit with second-half tries from Charlie Ingall and Tom Sanders but Worcester finished strongly with Sam Ripper-Smith crashing over.

It was a promising opening match from Worcester’s second string who reached the final last season before losing against Saracens Storm.

Cavaliers started well and found themselves ahead after just two minutes after some fine back play.

Dean Hammond set up Worcester’s first try, racing 40 metres before teeing-up Humphreys, who finished from close range, and Jamie Shillcock converted.

Humphreys then turned provider to put Wales under 20 international Adams clear in the corner which Shillcock converted.

Cavaliers were looking assured across the pitch as they looked to open their campaign in style and provide their first-team counterparts with competition for places.

Worcester extended their lead after visiting hooker Brendan Berry misjudged a line-out five metres from his own line and number eight Gilbert was on hand to dot down.

Sale looked for a way back into the game but the hosts were winning a string of turnovers in their own half as they prevented the Jets from fighting their way upfield.

Gilbert bagged his side's fourth try after 25 minutes after more good work from Humphreys, who stormed his way forward before setting-up his teammate.

The visitors looked like a different team after the break and started to get more into the game.

After dominating the first 10 minutes of the second-half, Sale got on the scoreboard as winger Ingall got on the end of a fine move.

Cavaliers introduced a string of youngsters to the action as they looked to see the game out and claim a valuable victory.

Sale pushed for a second try and were rewarded when replacement Sanders touched down for a converted try after the visiting forward pack had driven themselves over the line.

Cavaliers had the final word when Ripper-Smith grounded at the death for the hosts' fifth try after a driving line-out.

Cavaliers: Humphreys, Adams (Mikalcius 52), Stelling, Fatiaki (Butler 61), Hammond, Shillcock (Allsopp 69), Bruzulier; Appiah (Bower 59), Sowrey (Singleton 52), Milasinovich (Morris 69), Kitchener, O'Shea (Hill 69), Kirwan (Hewitt 40), Ripper-Smith, Gilbert.