RUSSELL Earnshaw paid tribute to his new team-mates following his man-of-the-match display in Wor-cester's 43-5 victory over Bedford Blues.

The National One leaders pulled 11 points clear of title rivals Orrell, following the Wigan side's defeat at Plymouth Albion, on a significant weekend in the promotion race.

New signing Earnshaw was delighted with his full debut as he marked it with a hat-trick of tries at Sixways.

"The boys made it easy for me," said Earnshaw who moved from Rotherham earlier this month.

"It was good fun. There was a big crowd and it was great to be playing. The forwards here at Worcester are awesome so it was an easy job for me.

"My hat-trick was a combined total of one or two yards and it's the guys in front of me who have done the work."

Earnshaw scored two driven tries but rounded off the display with his third when he provided good support for a blindside break.

The former Bath man admitted, however, that he was particularly nervous before kick-off.

"I never get nervous for a game but I was really nervous before this one," he added. "It's the most nervous I've ever been. I was pacing around before I got to the ground but once I got on the field I was OK."

Meanwhile, Ben Hinshelwood will this week undergo tests which, Worcester hope, will give him the green light for London Welsh on Saturday.

The Scottish international was knocked out during the win over Bedford but, because of a new test the players can take, Hinshelwood should be fit to play at Old Deer Park.

In the past, a concussion injury has warranted a three-week rest but with players now able to take a reaction test which is certified by the RFU, Hinshelwood can pass himself fit.