WORCESTER Warriors make the short trip down the M5 to tackle Gloucester in their bid to cement a place in mid-table of the Gallagher Premiership.
Alan Solomons’ men make the journey to the West Country on Saturday (3pm) on the back of a good recent run of form which has seen the Sixways side notch up seven wins in their last ten games.
It is a run which has propelled the Warriors up to seventh in the Premiership, just six points shy of Saturday’s opponents and to the top of their European Challenge Cup group.
Before Warriors resume their European excursions, they face a Gloucester side sitting in fourth in the league but having lost 24-6 to leaders Exeter Chiefs at the weekend.
Warriors enjoyed home comforts in their first Gallagher Premiership match at Sixways in seven weeks with a hard-earned but deserved 20-13 win over lively Harlequins.
“They (Gloucester) are a very good side, particularly at Kingsholm and it will be another tough game. They have quality across the field and are well coached by Johan Ackermann,” said Solomons.
Close-range tries from Nick Schonert and acting-captain Ryan Mills rewarded Warriors for a much-improved performance from their pack in the set piece and made it four straight home wins in all competitions.
Duncan Weir played his part with a faultless kicking display and full-back Chris Pennell fired over a penalty from halfway on the stroke of half-time which proved significant, while Harlequins missed three kickable penalties.
But the game was won up front where locks Pierce Phillips and Anton Bresler were secure in the lineouts and the back row of England new-boy Ted Hill, Matt Cox and Sam Lewis were in rampaging form.
“Rory Duncan and the forwards worked hard on the lineout after the defeat at Bath,” Solomons added.
“Omar Mouneimne is also a world-class coach and the players deserve credit for putting in a huge defensive shift.”