JOHN Brain couldn't hide his emotion after seeing his side dispose of Orrell.

Worcester's director of rugby, who lost out to Rotherham in the promotion race in the past two seasons, was delighted to finally win the 'big one'.

"It's a fantastic achievement to win 15 successive matches in this league and to beat the second-placed side twice," he said.

"The players deserve enormous credit. Orrell didn't get a point out of the game and we are now seven points clear at the top. We're in control of our destiny and that's very important.

"Over the last two years we've had disappointments. However, we've taken the beatings and come back from that. We've come back stronger for it."

Worcester controlled proceedings for much of the game in Wigan and Brain was satisfied with his side's defensive qualities.

"We defended very well, our set piece was good and we kicked our penalty goals. Very often those components are what you need to win important rugby matches.

"Defensively we came out very well in our shape and our defensive lineout as well. Craig Gillies stole a crucial ball on our own line and that was the product of a lot of homework and training. It's good when something like that pays off.

"In the first half, Orrell really struggled to win lineout ball and we put pressure on them in the scrum so, I was very pleased."

Worcester's chairman Cecil Duckworth was unable to see the match because of his stay in Barbados but Brain was eager to pay tribute to the man who has poured millions into Sixways.

"He's a very good guy to work for. I'm very pleased for him and the only pity is that I can't see his face when he hears the result because he's a top man and he deserves it.

"It's a very good moment for the coaches and the players. We've seen some bad times but we've picked ourselves up and come back. That's part of professional sport. I know that Worcester have the tag of perennial runners up but I think there's a little bit more to this team now.

"These things take time, however. Cecil has given myself and Andy Keast the time and maybe this result is a consequence of that because things are now bearing fruit."

With their main rivals defeated twice, Brain is setting his side a target to remain unbeaten for the rest of the season.

"It's a realistic target for the players. We would like to come out of this division having played 26 and won 26. We are very focused on that now."

Keast was also on cloud nine after the result and admitted it was an emotional day.

"There was a lot of emotion going around the changing room after the match," said the Worcester coach.

"It is emotional for all of us involved. It was a very professional performance from the boys. I don't care when people say you're going to have to raise it for the Premiership. I'm not interested in that. I'm worried about the here and now. Last year we lost at Edge Hall Road but this time we were organised and approached every situation as it came and put ourselves in good defensive positions.

"All of our five penalties came from ball in hand and that was part of the game plan.

"The game plan worked. We'd done our homework and we stopped them playing. The boys kept their discipline throughout. I've nothing but praise and admiration for the way they played. The attitude all week, leading up to the game, was first class.

"We want to be the best and the training certainly proved that. It just got better and better as the week went on and, as a coach, that's all you can ask."

Saturday was particularly sweet for Keast after last season's failed promotion bid.

"I'm an emotional person," he said. "I put a lot into things as John Brain does. We've both put our heart and soul into Worcester Rugby Club.

"It's an unbelievable feeling to beat Orrell and we intend to enjoy it. We want to milk it after last season's emotions in April.

"Come Monday morning, we'll re-assess things and move forward but until then we'll enjoy the moment.

"This result is great for Worcester and the supporters. They were fantastic again today and they deserve to enjoy the victory."