There was very little to separate us and a team who lead the table with nine wins from 10 games Glenn Delaney

Nottingham director of rugby Glenn Delaney was encouraged by his side's display in Friday's 35-28 defeat against Championship leaders Worcester.

The Green & Whites picked up two bonus points after a gritty performance and battling second-half revival.

"It was always going to be one of the toughest games this season," Delaney said. "Yet the score was very close.

"There was very little to separate us and a team who lead the table with nine wins from 10 games."

Marcel Garvey, Graham Kitchener and Aleki Lutui all crossed for the hosts before the break and, although Steve Hamilton went over for Nottingham, the Warriors looked in control and a second try for winger Garvey stretched their lead after the interval.

David Jackson, who uncharacteristically missed three relatively simple kicks on goal, scored a superb solo try to give the visitors hope, but Miles Benjamin went over for Worcester to seemingly secure the win.

Dan Hemmingway powered over to reduce the deficit and a further Jackson five-pointer got Nottingham to within four points.

Worcester were not rattled though and Joe Carlisle kicked a penalty and they held on, to edge the nine-try rollercoaster.

Delaney added: "We can a lot from that, particularly since we have been looking for stronger play away from home."

Nottingham play host to Cornish Pirates at Meadow Lane on Sunday.

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