A RUSTY Worcester Warriors opened their Gallagher Premiership season with defeat on Saturday as a polished London Irish ran in seven tries in a convincing 45-14 victory in Brentford.

Having not had a pre-season fixtures due to the ongoing financial concerns off the pitch, it was a victory for Worcester by even taking the field at the Gtech Community Stadium.

Despite an encouraging start from the Warriors, tries in the first-half from Ben Donnell, Ben White and Ollie Hassell-Collins handed hosts Irish a 19-0 lead at the break.

Henry Arundell scored a superb solo effort at the start of the second-half and further scores from Will Joseph, Agustin Creevy and a second for full-back Arundell completed a comfortable win, but Warriors supporters did see Curtis Langdon and Jamie Shillcock score at least.

Both sets of supporters welcomed Worcester to the field and the whole stadium observed the minutes silence for Queen Elizabeth II impeccably.

From the kick-off, Worcester started well but after 14 minutes, Irish began to take a hold and flanker Donnell scored with their first attack, swiftly followed by scrum-half White's try.

Hassell-Collins added another five minutes later which gave Irish a 19-0 lead at the break.

Further tries from Henry Arundell, who followed up a kick ahead from Hassell-Collins to secure the bonus point, and Will Joseph extended the lead before Warriors turned pressure into points when Langdon drove over on debut.

Irish pulled back a try through former Warriors hooker Agustin Creevy but Warriors showed their fighting spirit when Alex Hearle popped a pass to Shillcock who galloped clear for the side's second.

Irish were not finished and Arundell had time to nip in for his second in injury time which gave the final scoreline a slightly imbalanced look.

But the travelling Worcester support would not be silenced and after the game they showed their appreciation to the players, who should be given great credit for playing under such difficult circumstances.