DYNAMIC duo Ben Hinshelwood and David Officer have been backed to begin a try-scoring run for Worcester Rugby Club.

The midfield maestros came together for the first time against Orrell on Saturday and looked the part as the Sixways side won 35-10. And ahead of today's league clash at Otley, coach Andy Keast believes it is only a matter of time before they open their account for the season.

"They are both hard workers and are very physical players," he said.

"They've got very good handling skills which is obviously essential in the middle of the park.

"They are certainly not one-dimensional, they don't just crash it up or play loose or wide.

"They give you a bit of both and are intelligent players who read the game well.

"I'm very pleased with the balance so far and expect them to start getting on the score-sheet sooner rather than later."

Hinshelwood spent much of last season at outside centre and was a huge success at Sixways.

However, Keast has pencilled the Scottish international at inside so far this season and it is a role which, he hopes, will broaden his rugby education.

"Ben is learning a new position," added Keast.

"It will also help him when he plays outside centre again. The whole thing is a learning curve for Ben.

He developed the role of outside centre last season and now he's learning the inside position.

That's not to say that we don't think he's a 13 but when it's right, if he can play 12, 13 or 15 with the same quality then we know we can be flexible."

Meanwhile, James Brown is facing a race against time to be fit for Worcester's home clash with Exeter Chiefs next Saturday.

The fly half was ruled out of today's trip to Otley because of a continuing back problem.

However, coach John Brain remains hopeful that the former London Irish man will recover in time for the Sixways test which sees the return of Brown's predecessor Tony Yapp at 10.

"He's had an injection and we are confident he will be OK for Exeter," said Brain.