RUGBY was back with a bang at Sixways as Worcester Warriors thrilled their supporters with an exhilarating eight-try victory over Leicester Tigers.

After a four-month wait for competitive action, Warriors’ fans were entertained on and off the pitch as a rousing pre-match video was followed by a rampant display.

Tigers fielded an inexperienced side, but Worcester showed no mercy, scoring four tries in each half to kick off their Premiership Cup campaign in style.

Perry Humphreys, Isaac Miller, Caleb Montgomery, Alex Hearle, Ashley Beck, Farai Mudariki and Jamie Shillcock crossed while a penalty try added to a sorry day for Tigers who have now lost four times to Warriors in the space of 12 months.

Reporter Geoff Berkeley picks out five talking points from Saturday’s triumph.

LET’S START WITH THE PRE-MATCH ENTERTAINMENT

Sixways was buzzing and this was helped by the two big screens and digital ribbons across the South Stand that got fans’ pulses racing.

There were clips of Warriors’ best tries from last season, a countdown clock to kick-off and even a spot the ball competition.

The highlight was the video just before the players walked out that captured the crowd and got them into the mood.

The PA system was crystal clear from the West Stand and by all accounts the new fan zone went down well with supporters who were able to enjoy all the food, drink and music on offer.

I don’t know about you but I’m looking forward to seeing the new lights in operation when Warriors host Exeter Chiefs on Friday, October 4.

NOW LET’S TALK RUGBY AND TED HILL

After the exciting introduction it was now up to the players to deliver – and they did not disappoint.

After trading blows in the opening 20 minutes Warriors pulled away, producing some excellent free-flowing rugby to put Tigers to the sword.

There were a number of impressive individual performances, but Ted Hill stood out from the rest.

With Eddie Jones’ men currently in Japan chasing World Cup glory, Hill showed why he can be an England star in the future.

The 20-year-old flanker cut some brilliant lines with his powerful runs leading to scores for Miller and Beck and the penalty try.

This cup clash may have been viewed as a warm-up game, but Hill put his body on the line and left the field bandaged and bruised.

WELSH WIZARD AND AUSSIE ACE SHINE

Warriors will hope to keep both Beck and Jono Lance fit this season. The duo missed the majority of last term with Lance frustrated by a back problem and Beck sidelined with a broken leg.

Beck was a constant threat in midfield as he slipped off tackles and released his team-mates.

The Wales international missed a tackle in the lead up to Leicester’s opening score but was one of the star performers in attack as he crossed in the corner in the second half.

Lance also strutted his stuff in the number 10 jersey. Taking on the kicking duties, the Australian dispatched all but one of his shots on goal and looked confident in everything he did.

Prop Ryan Bower, who had not played since rupturing his Achilles tendon last November, also made a welcome return, coming on for the last half an hour.

HOW DID THE NEW BOYS GET ON?

It was a good day all-round. Ball-carrying flanker Montgomery marked his first appearance with a try, smashing over from close range, and buzzed around for the full 80 minutes.

Heavyweight tighthead prop Conor Carey was hard to miss due to his size but also showed some soft hands in attack.

The best showing from a summer signing came from experienced lock Graham Kitchener. Making his first outing in blue and gold since leaving Warriors for Tigers in 2011 Kitchener was excellent in the set-piece.

The forward gave his former club all sorts of problems in the lineout and was a commanding presence in the air.

HALF-BACK COMPETITION IS GROWING

After last season’s performances Francois Hougaard and Duncan Weir are no doubt Warriors’ first choice nine and 10 pairing. But as Saturday proved there are players itching to take their spots in the team.

Fly-half Lance and scrum-half Michael Heaney teamed up and did a fine job at setting the pace and getting the attack flowing.

Shillcock then replaced Lance and put forward his case for a starting shirt as great footwork led to Mudariki’s score before the stand-off went over himself late on.

Solomons is not short of options at number nine either as Hougaard and new recruit Jono Kitto watched on as both Heaney and Gareth Simpson grabbed their opportunities.

Simpson was making his first-team debut and made an immediate impact off the bench.