Hill wanting run to go on (From Worcester News)

Hill wanting run to go on

6:50am Monday 6th February 2012 in News By Tom Guest, @tomguestWN #WENsport

WORCESTER Warriors maintained their unbeaten home record in 2012 with a 24-14 LV= Cup win over Ospreys at Sixways and head coach Richard Hill is keen to take that form into Friday’s massive Aviva Premiership trip to Sale Sharks (7.45pm).

After a break from Premiership action to conclude their participation in two cup competitions, Warriors now return to the bread and butter of trying to climb the league table.

Against the Welsh region, a brace from Josh Drauniniu and score from birthday boy Jake Abbott secured a win in the final pool match.

Warriors also had to contend with horrendous weather conditions as snow battered the stadium throughout.

Hill said: “We are trying to keep this run going at home at Sixways and we came into the game on the back of beating Gloucester, Banca Monte Crociati and Bath ‘A’, so the first aim was to get the win so we were pleased.

“Being 7-7 at half-time, we knew it was going to be a bit of a battle, but we started well in the second-half and effectively won it in the first five minutes.

“The pack was good with driving play — that is getting better and better each week.

“It was a good scrum performance with some excellent carrying. I thought James Percival was the one I noticed carrying most ball.

“In those conditions it is not about putting several passes together, it is about playing one out rugby and Percy was coming around the corner hard and driving his legs to carry. He gave us good go-forward.

“Josh grabbed two tries and, considering he is Fijian, he did well in the snow! He looked interested and worked hard along with Marcel (Garvey).

“Blair Cowan was another positive for me, his control at the base (of the scrum) was good and I don’t remember one error in that game.

“That is very good in those conditions as a number eight. The pack in general looked very good.”

Meanwhile, Hill admitted he was not too concerned over tighthead prop Tevita Taumoepeau who came off before the half hour mark at Sixways.

“Tevita picked up a hamstring tweak,” he revealed. “I don’t think it is too serious, so we put a bit of ice on his leg — which he wouldn’t have wanted in those conditions — and I hope he will be OK.”