Sanderson's efforts were not quite enough for Worcester

London Irish (12) 26
Tries: Tagicakibau 2, Russell, Casey
Cons: Mordt 3

Worcester (10) 16
Tries: Powell
Con: Drahm
Pens: Drahm 3

Worcester missed out on the chance to guarantee their Premiership status after losing to London Irish on Sunday.

The Warriors will go into their final game of the season on 28 April just one point above bottom-placed Northampton.

London Irish took the lead through Sailosi Tagicakibau's try, but Adam Powell replied to send Worcester into the break just 12-10 behind.

Shane Drahm kicked Worcester ahead, but tries from Tagicakibau and Bob Casey won the match for the Exiles.

"A top-six finish was a target for us this season, and we managed to get the job done - it is a case of mission accomplished.

"We want to play an expansive game, and I thought we stretched Worcester.

"We were quite dangerous from turnover possession, and by and large, the boys executed the plan pretty well."

"Irish had far more ball and territory than we did, and control of the ball is key in warm conditions.

"Defending takes more out of you. We didn't control the ball, and if you spend more time attacking than defending, you're going to be fresher.

"I always had a nagging feeling it would come down to the last day. We thoroughly expect Northampton to win their last game at home to Irish but it is quite simple. I believe if we win and they win, we are going to stay up."

London Irish: Ojo; Bishop, Mapusaua, Mordt, Tagicakibau; Flutey, Hodgson; Hatley, Russell, Lea'aetoa, Hudson, Casey, Roche, Magne, Murphy
Replacements: Coetzee, Paice, Kennedy, Danaher, Armitage, Rees, Everitt.

Worcester: Drahm; Best, Rasmussen, Trueman, Delport; Brown, Powell; Windo, Lutui, Horsman, Bowley, Blaze, Hickey, Sanderson (capt), Horstmann
Replacements: Morris, Fortey, Taumoepeau, Murphy, Quinnell, Runciman, Tucker.