THE loss of winger Andy Short with an ankle injury was a worrying aspect for Worcester Warriors in a 43-35 defeat against the Barbarians in a highly entertaining warm-up match at Sixways.

The former Bristol player left the ground on crutches with his right ankle heavily strapped after limping from the field in the early stages of the match.

Warriors’ defensive frailties and their struggle at the set-piece were evident in an open and lively encounter watched by a low crowd of 3,741.

The Baa-Baas racked up six tries with wing Dom Shipperley grabbing a hat-trick, while Warriors replied with five touchdowns.

Fly-half Tom Heathcote caught the eye on his debut for Worcester after arriving from Edinburgh.

Heathcote’s kicking from the tee was immaculate as he converted all of Worcester’s tries.

Back row Phil Dowson crossed for Warriors’ first try and later showed plenty of awareness with a neat offload for Ravai Fatiaki’s touchdown in the second-half.

Former Bristol scrum-half Luke Baldwin was sharp, particularly in the opening half, despite Worcester’s set-piece being under pressure.

Charlie Mulchrone got his first run-out since breaking a foot in the Championship play-off semi-final first leg at London Scottish.

His go-forward approach and vision created a try on the outside for Ben Howard.

Chris Pennell was in good shape and looked very much at home against a classy and full-of-running Barbarians team.

Worcester’s front row creaked at the scrum after they lost prop Joe Rees with an early head injury and the hosts, at times, probably got too sucked into a running battle.

Warriors drew first blood through Dowson, who dived over from close range, with Heathcote adding the extras, but it immediately brought a response from the Barbarians.

Prop Benn Robinson finished off a powerful line-out drive for the Baa-Baas, which was converted by Mike Harris, who kicked 13 points.

With the hosts throwing the ball around, Warriors attempted to do the same but found themselves 21-7 down after 24 minutes.

Warriors brought about their own downfall when Ryan Mills’ attempted long pass was intercepted by the lively Ben Tapuai.

The centre immediately found the supporting Shipperley, who finished off smartly.

With the Baa-Baas on top, flanker Todd Clever burrowed over the line after a period of pressure and Harris’ conversion stretched the visitors' lead to 14 points.

A moment of skill from Heathcote allowed a trim-looking Cooper Vuna to sprint clear to score for Warriors.

But Shipperley’s second try on the stroke of half-time, converted by Harris, gave the Baa-Baas a 28-14 interval cushion.

Val Ruskin crashed over for a close-range try, which Heathcote converted, early in the second period but the Baa-Baas made a swift response.

Dwayne Sweeney darted over after collecting a long pass from Harris, who added the conversion.

Shipperley surged down the right and broke through a couple of tackles to complete his hat-trick before Mulchrone set up Howard to score Warriors’ fourth try.

Warriors remained on the front foot and were awarded a five-metre scrum under the posts. But crucially the Barbarians’ scrum drove Worcester off the ball.

Fatiaki gave Worcester hope, racing over the line and Heathcote’s conversion reduced arrears to 40-35.

But the Baa-Baas deserved their victory and Harris fired over a 30-metre penalty to make the game safe.