PROP Derrick Appiah admitted to having mixed emotions after scoring his first Warriors try in the defeat to Enisei-STM.
The 22-year-old Italian, whose only other appearance for the club came in last season’s European Challenge Cup, came off the bench against the Russians to score a cleverly-worked try in the corner.
Despite the youthful squad backs coach Sam Vesty has selected for this season’s European campaign, the former Parma and Modena player insisted the side have to improve if they are to get out of the group stage.
“It was an unbelievable feeling to score my first try. I got the ball in the corner from a lineout and just went straight to the line,” Appiah said.
“The lads all cheered me on and congratulated me on my first Warriors try, so it was a nice moment. The last time I scored was a couple of years ago in my last game for Mogliano, so it’s been a while.
“Ultimately, I’m very happy but disappointed we lost the game, as we felt we could travel to Russia and get the win.
“Enisei were a very strong, physical team. We’re never happy with losing, but hopefully we can beat them when they come to Sixways.
“A lot of the young lads were excited to play their first senior game in a big European contest. They did well against very physical opponents and will gain valuable experience.”
Warriors welcome French Top 14 side Brive to Sixways this Saturday and Appiah stressed it will be another tough test.
“We played well in parts against Enisei but there are some things we need to improve on ahead of the Brive test,” he said.
“We made a few mistakes so we need to work hard to put them right. Brive are a very tough team and will have a lot of physicality in the scrum which will make it hard.
“But it’s another chance for us younger guys to play with a bit of freedom.”