THIS clash of rugby two sets of Warriors may not exactly have been two tribes going to war, given that it was a pre-season friendly, but it was serious enough for Glasgow to get real value from the win.

Certainly both sides took it seriously in terms of selecting strong line-ups, with Worcester starting their league campaign next week a few days earlier than the Scots, so Glasgow will be encouraged with a hard fought victory.

Ulster away in the first round of the United Rugby Championship has clearly focussed Glasgow minds and their clear intent was shown by two penalty kicks at goal at the start and finish of the game.

“Last week wasn’t about winning, it was about the first hit out and getting the lads playing some rugby, but tonight was about coming here to get an away win because our next game will be about winning away so we came here to do that,” said head coach Danny Wilson.

“There were a couple of sticky moments in the first half when they were attacking well and the whole game was very physical, but in the second half in particular some guys took their opportunities so we have some headaches ahead of the first selection.

“It is a case of small stepping stones in pre-season, but getting everybody out there playing and no major injuries is good – but we won’t read too much into it.

“Still, when you set out your stall to play hard and get a win, not just giving people a game, then it is good to get a win and the players will get some confidence because of that.”

Two names missing from the home line-up were Scottish Lions Rory Sutherland and Duhan van der Merwe, they join up with their new teammates on Monday after their summer exertions in South Africa.

Glasgow set the tone for a nearly full blooded clash by electing to take the kick at goal on their first opportunity, with outside half Ross Thompson giving them an early lead.

While the Scots had their periods of pressure, it was Worcester who had the greater cutting edge in the first half – especially through new England centre Ollie Lawrence who made the first try for scrum half Willi Heinz and then scored the second with a break of his own.

Glasgow could not capitalise on the periods when they were close to the home try line, but did get a try of their own when right win Rufus McClean grabbed and interception and raced away to the line despite some optimistic chasers.

Worcester extended their lead straight after the break through full back Melani Nanai, but Glasgow hit back with a short range effort from lock Lewis Bean and then took the lead when Duncan Weir put in a cross kick collected by McClean – probably not the last time we will see that combination this season.

Weir and Billy Searle exchanged penalties, but Glasgow held out.

Scorers

Worcester: Tries - Heinz, Lawrence, Nanai. Cons – Williams (2). Pen – Searle.

Glasgow: Tries – McClean (2), Bean,  Cons – Thompson (2), Weir. Pens – Thompson, Weir.