Aviva Premiership: Worcester Warriors edge out London Welsh

Nick Scott of London Welsh is tackled by Worcester's Alex Grove

Josh Matavesi on the charge for Worcester

Semisi Taulava scored the only try of the contest as Worcester beat London Welsh 13-6 in a dire game at Sixways.

Taulava's effort, midway through the second half, was the difference between the two sides but had Gordon Ross not missed with three kickable penalties, Welsh could have easily come away with the points.

The visitors edged the forward battle and had more possession and territory but lacked the creativity to break down a stubborn home defence as they failed to capitalise on the yellow-carding of Taulava.

Ross and Andy Goode exchanged early penalties before Nikki Walker was held up in the in-goal area as Welsh kept their line intact, but they conceded a second penalty to Goode, as the Warriors took a 6-3 lead after 22 minutes.

Just before half-time, Worcester suffered a double blow when firstly Taulava was sin-binned for offside at a maul and then Ross fired over the resulting penalty to tie up the scores at the interval.

Taulava returned with no further damage to the scoreline but still it was Welsh who had the better of the opening exchanges of the second half.

Ross kicked skilfully to keep the visitors going forward as Worcester had considerable difficulty in breaking out of their own half.

A poor pass from Josh Matavesi resulted in the Warriors being penalised but Ross missed the penalty chance and it proved costly as suddenly from nowhere Worcester produced a stunning try.

From inside his own 22, Matavesi started the move with an elusive run, Goode made the next inroads before Alex Grove carved open the Welsh defence with a clean break.

The ball was recycled for Matavesi to make ground before sending Taulava over for the try which Goode converted - giving the Warriors a 13-6 lead going into the final quarter.

Worcester nearly scored again when neat footwork from Lemi saw him race away and kick ahead, but Dan Caprice got back to beat the Warriors' wing to the bouncing ball and deny the try.

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