Goode night for Warriors in Penzance

More than 600 Worcester fans travelled to Cornwall to see their side take a nine-point lead into the second leg next Wednesday. The only tries of the game came in the first half as the Warriors led at the break but the Pirates kept battling away in the second and took it two penalties to one.

With Worcester the only club meeting the criteria for promotion they are the only side able to replace Leeds Carnegie and last night's win puts them one step closer. The Pirates had to defend their line from a series of charges from the Warriors until wing Miles Benjamin reached for the line to touch down.

After an exchange of penalties, Andy Goode's attempted drop goal was deflected off a Pirates defender before being touched down by Pirates wing Wes Davies. Warriors were awarded a penalty at the five-metre scrum and opted for a re-set. At the third attempt Jonny Arr picked up at the back and Goode broke a tackle to touch down under the posts before adding the extras.

Further penalties in the first half meant it was 18-6 at half time, and Goode added a third penalty 15 minutes into the second. Despite two successful kicks from Rob Cook - he scored four in total - Warriors hung on for a vital win.