THERE were scenes of joy at Sixways as Worcester Warriors climbed off the bottom of the Aviva Premiership with a 30-15 victory over Northampton Saints.

But director of rugby Gary Gold was keen to remind his players there was “a long way to go” in the season as they bid to beat the drop.

A hat-trick from Byce Heem and a Josh Adams try saw Warriors claim their first league win, ending a run of seven straight defeats.

The morale-boosting triumph also saw Worcester leapfrog London Irish who face Bath at Madejski Stadium today (3pm).

“I am very happy,” Gold said.

“I think we’ve played some pretty good rugby in the lead up and haven’t had the results that we would have wanted.

“I am just delighted for this group of players and coaches.

“We have stuck together through some pretty tough times and managed to get a win.

“But there is still a long way to go.

“The big challenge now is to not get carried away with ourselves. I think humility was the word of the day.”

There were contrasting emotions for Northampton with director of rugby Jim Mallinder unhappy with his side’s ill-discipline.

Rob Horne was sin-binned 10 minutes before the break to allow Warriors to take control before the centre received a second yellow card at the death for a tip-tackle on Jono Lance.

“It was very disappointing,” Mallinder said.

“Worcester played with a lot of pride and passion.

“We wanted to start the game well and put some doubts in their minds and we didn’t do that.

“I think our discipline cost us in the first half, conceding nine penalties, going down to 14 men and then conceding again early in the second half.

“Worcester were everything that we expected from them. We knew they would be up for it and would be physical.

“They have got a few quality players back and they made a big difference for them.”