CAPTAIN Donncha O’Callaghan’s early yellow card cost Worcester Warriors “dear” in their 24-19 loss at Gloucester, admits head coach Carl Hogg.

The experienced second row was sin-binned on the fifth minute for not retreating 10 metres when Willi Heinz to took a quick tap penalty.

Hogg said it was the “right” decision by referee Wayne Barnes and Gloucester made the most of their numerical advantage in opening stages.

Ollie Thorley scored two tries and Billy Burns kicked seven points to give the hosts a 17-0 lead and leave Warriors with it all to do.

“Wayne Barnes ruled that Donncha wasn’t back 10 metres when they took that quick tap and go,” Hogg said.

“Probably by the letter of the law he was right.

“It was a tough call in the first few minutes in the game, but I think it cost us dear.”

Warriors produced a thrilling fightback as Perry Humphreys struck twice and Ryan Mills got his side within five points with a late penalty.

But the damage was done in the first 18 minutes and at the start of the second half when Gloucester came flying out of the traps.

Moments after the interval Henry Trinder bursts past David Denton to send the hosts on the attack.

And after combining with Willi Heinz Billy Twelvetrees went in under the posts.

“They scored straight after the break, so that’s something we need to look at,” Hogg added.

“I thought we got off to a slow start and dropped off one or two tackles in that sin-bin period and we got exposed in that first play of the game in the second half.

“But overall we showed endeavour and character to come from being points down.

“I thought there was a huge amount of spirit out there.”