A NEW-look Worcester colts side started their season with a narrow 29-27 defeat to Birmingham and Solihull at Weston's Fields.

A new management team just had their first session with the squad but the summer rust showed as Worcester were caught cold with two quick tries in the first 10 minutes to roar into a 12-point lead.

Under captain Will Matthews Worcester got their forwards game in gear and fought back with tries from Matt Long (2), Calum Clarke and Alfie Pritchard.

Conversions and a penalty from Ben Llewellyn gave Worcester a commanding 27-12 lead into the final quarter.

Due to a lack of pre-season games head coach Gareth Hughes had committed to giving the full 25-man squad a run-out.

The changes impacted on the dominance Worcester had built up and Birmingham scored three unanswered tries.

A late spirited Worcester rally could not pull back the deficit.

Birmingham, who included England age group players in their ranks, held on to record the away victory.

Hughes said: "It was an encouraging run-out and we learned a lot about the group. We are encouraged for the forthcoming matches."

The colts now combine under 17, 18 and 19 players as the competition is essentially an under 19s league.