Warriors move five points clear

Joe Carlisle was in good form with the boot in what were difficult conditions.

Worcester Warriors are firmly in control of their European Challenge Cup group after a 27-6 home win over Bourgoin at a sodden Sixways.

Joe Carlisle's boot kept the scoreboard ticking for Warriors as the fly-half kicked five penalties and a conversion.

Director of rugby Mike Ruddock told BBC Hereford and Worcester it had been a day for grinding out the victory.

"It was an ugly win but when you look at the rain that came in it was pretty wet out there," he said.

"It was tricky underfoot to change direction and very slippery for a handling game."

Sam Tuitupou and Aleki Lutui eased any nerves late on as they crossed the Bourgoin line for the Warriors while Bourgoin were restricted to two penalties from Sebastien Laloo.

The Warriors are now five points clear at the top of the group with home matches against Bucuresti Oaks and Petrarca to come in January.

Qualification is now looking like a straight fight between the Warriors and Bourgoin after Petrarca were surprisingly beaten 17-15 at home by Bucuresti.