There were first starts and senior debuts on the night, taking the total to 13 debuts in the competition for young players this term, with John Stewart scoring his maiden senior try.

Bath were in control in the first half with the forwards dominating and the backs well-marshalled by half-backs Ollie Fox and George Worboys.

But Worcester came back to push 13-7 ahead and that's the way it stayed despite a late surge from the Blue, Black and White.

"I'm really proud of the boys," Lilley said.

"In the conditions, I thought they managed the game really well; particularly Foxy and George Worboys. We gave ourselves opportunities to win the game; our forwards got through some great work and the backs put us in some really good spots.

"Unfortunately we couldn't quite get over at the end which was frustrating. We had 13 opportunities in the opposition 22 and just couldn't convert past that one try."

He added: "This Cup was to develop players and give our young players experience and it's been massively important.

"Some of these youngsters started their first game against Gloucester (in November) and to see where they are now... they've developed really well and this is another game to look over and help them develop even further forward."

Reaction: Lilley proud of young group

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