THE decision to rest the entire Warriors first team for Sat-urday's trip to Northampton proved to be a masterstroke.

It ensured those players, drained by four confidence-sapping Premiership defeats, could be taken out of the firing line and re-energise themselves.

More importantly, it gave the players on the periphery of the first team the chance to press claims for a more central role in the coaches' plans.

The fact Worcester put a win on the board was an unexpected bonus and means the much-berated Anglo-Welsh Cup now takes on significance at Sixways beyond being a chance to blood promising youngsters.

Unexpected heroes emerged at Franklin's Gardens and wing Gary Trueman admits sitting on the sidelines had made the players all the more eager to perform.

"It is difficult when you are not in the starting 22'," he said. "I think we all showed how hungry we were to play.

"Hopefully we can carry it into the Leicester game and the next few Premiership games.

"It was brilliant. It was good for us to get a victory. It was good for all the players and there is a good buzz around the club.

"I wouldn't say it's a relief because we knew it was coming, but it's nice to get our first competitive win. It is a kick-start for us and we have got to make sure we build on that."

Trueman, a Worcester player for six years, is the type of versatile back who often seems to prosper when there is a shake-up of playing personnel.

But the term utility player' does not do him justice and he has turned in some outstanding performances when called upon for big games, not least in the final home match of last season against Newcastle.

"I'm not a winger and I don't regard myself as a winger," he said. "But I give everything, every time I put on a Worcester shirt.

"If they are a happy with me on the wing I will play there. It's always nice to be playing."

Trueman's adaptability ea-rned him a new two-year contract at Sixways at the end of last season and he is grateful for the faith shown in him by director of rugby John Brain.

"John is a very honest guy," said Trueman.

"I have had bad luck with injuries but I have known John for six years and he knew there was a chance I would come good and thankfully that was enough."

He made his first start of last season in the thrilling Six-ways triumph over Leicester in November and would be more than happy for a repeat showing when the two sides meet at the same venue in the EDF Energy Cup tomorrow.

He said: "We always seem to play well against Leicester. You want to pit yourselves against the best players in the country and a lot of those play for Leicester."

Trueman admits the Anglo-Welsh competition was not a priority before Saturday's win and is desperate for the side to make their mark in the Premiership.

But he insists the club have seen darker days and can come through their current sticky patch.

"I think the first year we got promoted, we didn't win our first game until November," he said.

"We had such high hopes and it is disappointing to start with four losses but it's not a case of panicing. It has been frustrating but the margins in the Guinness Premiership be-tween winning and losing are small."