SEMISI Taulava’s try on the hour-mark proved enough for Warriors to claim a scrappy 13-6 victory over London Welsh in the Aviva Premiership at Sixways.

The Tongan powerhouse number eight rounded off a length-of-the-field move to secure the important win, but the try was the only highlight of what was a dour contest.

Both sides seemed keen to launch the ball into the night sky in hope of the opposition making an error, rather than looking to earn victory through their own endeavours.

In the first-half, Welsh were more than capable of dealing with Worcester’s aerial bombardment and it was the hosts who were too often guilty of turning the ball over.

The Exiles have built their impressive start to their maiden top-flight campaign around a rock solid set-piece and that was in evidence early on as they launched a 20-metre line-out drive that Warriors could only halt by hauling it down.

Welsh’s former Scotland international stand-off Gordon Ross slotted the simple kick to give his side an early advantage.

It was a short-lived lead, though, as the visitors infringed at the re-start and Warriors number 10 Andy Goode was able to stroke over a levelling penalty.

Welsh also enjoyed the upper hand at scrum-time and when Ceri Jones was penalised Ross was only a matter of inches short of putting his side back ahead.

Warriors carried the ball powerfully through the likes of Nikki Walker and Semisi Taulava and the Scotland winger barrelled his way over the line after Worcester had set up camp on the Welsh line, but referee Andrew Small said the ball had been held up. From the resulting scrum, Warriors won a penalty and Goode made no mistake.

Another powerful driving line-out from the visitors saw Taulava drag the maul down and he was sin-binned on 33 minutes, with Ross landing the penalty to make it 6-6.

Welsh had the chance to edge ahead early in the second-half when Warriors were hit for off-side, but Ross saw his effort come up short.

Josh Matavesi then switched into the 10 position and immediately inspired Warriors to what was ultimately their winning score.

The centre dummied to kick in his own 22, broke from defence and linked with David Lemi to reach half-way. Goode then made more yards, before Alex Grove broke a tackle and galloped to the 22. Matavesi was involved at 10 again, making a break before sending Taulava over the line to hand Goode a simple conversion.

Welsh tried to get back into the game but, apart from another Ross missed penalty, couldn’t break down Warriors’ resolute rearguard.

Warriors: Pennell; Walker, Grove, Matavesi (Clarke, 71), Lemi; Goode, Hodgson (Arr, 61); Ceri Jones, Shervington (Lutui, 59), Murray (Andress, 71), Percival, Chris Jones (Schofield, 59), Best (Betty, 67), Kvesic, Taulava.Not used: Porter, Gray.

Referee: Andrew Small.

Attendance: 8,911.