WORCESTER Rugby Club were heaving a sigh of relief last night after it emerged Drew Hickey's injury wasn't serious.

The number eight, who has played a significant part in the Warriors' 16-match National One winning run this season, received good news on his hip injury at Sixways yesterday.

The X-rays and MRI scans were both clear and Hickey might still be fit enough to play some part in Worcester's clash at London Welsh on Saturday.

The Australian left the field after just seven minutes of the weekend win over Bedford Blues and it was first feared that the injury might sideline him for a number of weeks.

However, coach Andy Keast was relieved that there was no long-term problem with Hickey.

"There was nothing serious shown up in the scans," said Keast. "He hasn't trained so far this week and if he cannot train today then he won't be able to play on Saturday."

Ben Daly is struggling with a rib cartilage injury and is rated doubtful to make Saturday's trip while Worcester will wait on Ben Hinshelwood who was knocked out during the Bedford clash.

Tommy Hayes and Gavin Pfister (both hamstring injuries) are also still doubtful while Duncan Roke (knee) is definitely out.

Meanwhile, Orrell's Ross Reynolds has almost conceded defeat in the National One title race.

Worcester, following their 15-7 win at Edge Hall Road and Orrell's subsequent loss at Plymouth on Saturday, are now 11 points clear of the second placed team. And coach Reynolds doesn't rate his side's chances for the rest of the season.

"I'd say it's almost impossible now," said Reynolds. "We needed to win each week to keep the pressure on them (Worcester), so that if they slipped up we could catch them.

"But two losses in two weeks -- I think the gap's just too far now."