WORCESTER Warriors began their Premiership Under 18 Academy League season with a disappointing 55-12 loss to Wasps at Sixways.

Wasps crossed the try line nine times, going into the break 24-0 up before running away with the contest in the second half despite scores from Warriors’ Tom Fawcett and Charlie Gamble.

The hosts started well with the forwards carrying hard and creating quick ball, allowing playmaker Louis Jackson to find space in behind but mistakes with ball in hand shifted the momentum.

Wasps’ first try came from a succession of penalties that saw the visitors kick to the corner before number eight Alfred Mawdsley drove over.

Warriors worked some good field position but were unable to convert this into points.

Wasps punished them when Tom Bacon raced over from 40 metres out.

More Warriors penalties gave Wasps the chance to kick to the corner and Alfie Barbeary crashed over.

Neat handling work out wide allowed back row Silas Pill to dive over before half-time.

Warriors’ set-piece was strong, particularly the scrum, but they conceded again after a sharp backs move led to Bacon crossing again.

Coach Gordon Ross emptied the bench and extra energy and intent gave Warriors quick ball.

Fawcett sprinted over from the 22 for Worcester’s first try and replacement Josh Phipps added the extras.

Despite more Worcester pressure, signs of a comeback were short-lived as Taju Atta pounced on a loose ball before neat footballing skills saw him touch down.

Aaron O’Sullivan and replacement Sean Robinson scored from turnovers as Warriors were made to pay for their mistakes.

The hosts produced a late counter with replacement Tom Matthews breaking down the right before Gamble finished in the corner with the final play.

Discipline and precision in attack will be the focus when Worcester travel to Northampton Saints on Saturday, January 6.