LAST week's game ag-ainst Exeter was a thrilling encounter which created a Sixways atmosphere not seen since the giant-killing exploits against Bristol.

It lifted the players, coaches and crowd but one player was affected more than most --debutant flanker Simon Daws.

Not only did he fulfil his childhood dream of playing for the first team, he scored a opportunist try, played in a tremendous match which Worcester won with a late try and even walked off with the man-of-the match award.

Worcester's clear-out during the past months has caused heartache for some and a dash to other clubs for others. But the positive change is the promotion of the youngsters.

Daws has followed in the footsteps of blind-side flanker Brett Scriven and prop Bennett Smith who have all made their first team debuts for the first team in the past month after impressing in mid-week fixtures.

The 20-year-old, who played in place of the injured Nathan Carter, was overcome by emotion at the end of the match which actually saw him partner Scriven in the back row.

"It was tough and I'm absolutely knackered, but it's the best feeling in the world," he said afterwards.

"I couldn't have had a better start, it's an absolute dream.

"They told me in the week that Nathan was a bit iffy with his shoulder and said be prepared for anything and wait until Thursday to see how he was.

"I starting coming to the club aged eight and this is my life's work, it's absolutely amazing."

Daws went to school at Bridley Moor, in his home town of Redditch but has now moved to Worcester to study at the University and develop his rugby career as part of the club's scholarship scheme.

His rugby education may just be starting and nobody knows where it will take him but whatever happens in the future he will always have an incredible night to look back on and enjoy time and again.