TIFF Eden struck three second-half penalties to fire Worcester Cavaliers to a hard-fought 9-5 victory against Oxford University at Iffley Road.

In-form Cavaliers trailed 5-0 at the interval and came from behind in the last 10 minutes to seal a fifth successive victory.

Academy Manager Mark Hewitt paid tribute to his young side for their gritty display against Oxford who are preparing for a Varsity match against Cambridge University.

He said: "We had a very young side that had to play in really poor conditions. The wind and rain continued all night.

"It was a tough match against a well-organised Oxford side but it was worth it to see all the youngsters get through it for the win."

A host of under 18s were given an opportunity in Warriors’ second-string which included an appearance for 16-year-old former King's School Worcester pupil Josh Nott.

Hewitt added: "Josh Nott was forced into action in the 10th minute and gave an exceptional performance.

"His distribution and box-kicking was superb and he didn't look out of place."

Hewitt praised his young squad who coped well with the blustery conditions.

"The first-half was a bit error-strewn with a lot of dropped balls due to the conditions and they put us under pressure to score the only try of the game with a pick-and-go.

"But in the second-half we had the wind to our backs and dominated field position and took our opportunities.

"There were good performances from Richard de Carpentier and Jon Hughes, with Hughes making an incredible cover tackle after an Oxford player intercepted and raced towards the try-line.

"We finished the game with half the forwards from our under 18s squad which was brilliant."

Meanwhile, Warriors' winger Josh Drauniniu scored two tries for the Barbarians, and Mat Gilbert gave an all-action display, in a 31-15 win against the Combined Services at Bath.