THE never-say-die attitude of Worcester Warriors’ young squad was highlighted in a dramatic late twist at Sixways.

Rory Scannell looked to have kicked Munster ‘A’ to victory when he fired the visitors into a 23-20 lead with two minutes remaining.

But Warriors, with 14 men on the pitch after Val Rapava Ruskin’s yellow card, hadn’t read the script.

They had a chance to pull level when Tiffen Eden was caught by a late tackle but, instead of aiming for the posts, stand-in skipper Dar - ren O’Shea instructed his fly-half to kick to the corner.

From the line-out, flanker Sam Betty was driven over the line for a converted try in the final play of the match.

It was a satisfying call for O’Shea, a former Munster academy lock, as Warriors secured a second successive win in the British and Irish Cup. O’Shea was outstanding in the line-out and in the loose against his old club and deserv - edly took the man-of-the-match plaudits.

The victory must have been a relief for 20-year-old fly-half Eden, who finished with a 12-point haul, but missed three straight-for - ward penalties in the blustery conditions.

But, perhaps, most important of all, the late triumph typified the resilience of a young War - riors side, who have found a winning formula in the Aviva ‘A’ League.

And the home fans, who have suffered last- minute heartbreak in recent seasons, were dancing with delight at the final whistle.

Scrum-half Jean-Baptiste Bruzulier im - pressed on his first-team home debut and looks to be thriving in the captain’s role.

And the Welsh-born Bruzulier must be boost - ing his prospects of a call-up to the Warriors’ squad for their Championship campaign.

Winger Dean Hammond made two blistering breaks and just needs to keep his composure when his route to the try-line is blocked.

Warriors led 17-15 after shading a physical first-half but they were given a stern test of their credentials in the second period.

Warriors edged into a 20-15 advantage after 50 minutes against a Munster side, who had prop Alan Cotter yellow-carded towards the end of the first-half. Greg O’Shea’s well-taken try levelled the match and, after Eden had missed a shot at the posts, Munster took the lead through the boot of Rory Scannell after Ruskin had been sent to the sin-bin. Despite their one- man advantage, Munster could not hang on to their lead as Warriors refused to accept defeat.

Earlier, Warriors’ front row of Ofa Fainga’anuku, Ben Sowrey and Joe Rees had the upper hand in a bruising first-half.

Warriors took the lead with a try in the sev - enth minute. Sowrey collected a neat offload from Eden to crash over for a converted score.

Munster replied with a converted try in the 14th minute after Warriors had been penalised at a rolling maul.

Amid mounting pressure, Niall Kenneally took a popped pass from scrum-half Cathal Sheridan to dive over and Scannell converted.

Warriors’ forward play was rewarded next, Betty grabbing his first try of the afternoon from a driving maul. Eden added the extras but Munster replied immediately, Paddy Butler leaping over a defensive wall to score. Scannell slotted a penalty soon afterwards to put the visitors 15-14 ahead.

Eden’s penalty restored Warriors’ advantage on the stroke of half-time to set up an absorb - ing second period