JOHN Brain has appealed to the Rugby Football Union for 'common sense' over referees.

Worcester's director of rugby was far from impressed with referee Bruce Robertson who 'took charge' of their weekend clash with Bedford Blues.

Ben Hinshelwood was knocked unconscious by a high tackle during the match, while hooker Ben Daly had to leave the field with a rib problem.

With Worcester 11 points clear at the top of National One, Brain fears that other opposition teams will also be looking to dish out the rough stuff in the final 10 games of the season and has called the referees' headquarters at Castlecroft to plead his case.

"The refereeing on Saturday was indifferent," said Brain. "We had a referee who didn't know much about us and we didn't know much about him.

"In the next 10 games we are going to be playing desperate teams, many of whom are fighting to stay in this league.

"We need good, strong officials for these games and I've made that point to them at Castlecroft.

"We just want common sense because otherwise we have to take the referee out of the equation in matches and sometimes, if you have bad weather conditions as well, it's difficult to do that."

Meanwhile, Drew Hickey and Daly are early doubts for Saturday's trip to London Welsh. Hickey has a hip problem, while Daly suffered a rib cartilage injury against Bedford.

The number eight has had an X-ray on the injury, but Worcester are awaiting scan results before they know the severity.

Daly's injury is not considered as serious as first thought and he has a slim chance of making the game at Old Deer Park.

Hinshelwood was feeling better yesterday and will take a reaction test this week which could give him the all clear for Saturday.

The test, which is certified by the RFU, means that Hinshelwood can pass himself fit if he satisfies all the tests.

Worcester are the only club, outside the Premiership, to be signed up to the RFU scheme. Previously a player suffering a concussion injury would have to serve a mandatory three-week rest period.