COACH Sam Vesty has hailed the outstanding leadership of scrum-half Jean-Baptiste Bruzulier and the never-say-die attitude of Worcester Warriors’ newcomer Mat Gilbert.

Scrum-half Bruzulier and two-try Gilbert were instrumental as Warriors’ second string, playing under the Worcester Cavaliers banner, fought back from 22-7 down to secure a 27-22 win at Sale Jets.

It was a fourth successive Aviva A-League triumph for Cavaliers, who had already toppled Gloucester United 34-17, Leicester Tigers 52-21 and Northampton Wanderers 22-16 this term.

Now Cavaliers, who are second behind Newcastle Falcons on points difference, are aiming for a top-two spot in the Northern Conference and a place in the last four of the competition.

Director of rugby Dean Ryan says players from the Cavaliers will be elevated for Warriors’ duty in the British and Irish Cup at Nottingham on Sunday (3pm).

Vesty, who has been overseeing the Cavaliers’ programme, is stepping up to become Warriors’ head coach for the weekend match at Meadow Lane.

“The lads who are playing for the Cavaliers are working very hard and their attitude is tremendous in everything they are doing,” said Vesty.

“The A-League is a good competition and usually involves a mix of first-teamers, those on the periphery of the first team and young players.

“We will be trying to bring that same intensity into Sunday’s match and, if we can do that, hopefully we will end up on the right side of the result.”

A Cavaliers win seemed unlikely when Sale opened up an early 15-0 advantage and led 22-7 after 29 minutes.

Vesty said: “We didn’t get off to the best start but the spirit of the boys shone through and that’s the overriding factor with this group.

“Jean-Baptiste played a really influential role in the comeback and Gilbert really took the battle to the opposition with his defence and ball-carrying skills.”

While ex-Bath flanker Gilbert snapped up two tries, centre Ravai Fatiaki also crossed the whitewash and fly-half Tiff Eden kicked three conversions and two penalties as Sale picked up two late yellow cards.

Vesty added: “The whole group had the bit between their teeth.

“The lads have been working hard on a Saturday and they all showed they really want to be involved on a Monday night, too.

“The team are playing exciting rugby which is great to watch.”

Cavaliers’ next A-League fixture is at home to Newcastle on Monday, December 15, and they round off their league programme seven days later at Bristol United.

Cavaliers: Hughes; Stephenson, Grove (Keith 6), Fatiaki, Watkins (Drauniniu 62); Eden, Bruzulier; Fainga’anuku (Cosgrove 59), Singleton (Sowrey 59), Rees (Gordas 65), Perks, Kerry, Gilbert, Boyce, Taylor. Replacements not used: Edwards, De Cothi, Thompson.