HEAD coach Carl Hogg lamented Worcester Warriors’ malfunctioning line-out in their 26-12 Aviva Premiership derby defeat to Wasps.

Warriors enjoyed large spells of pressure and territory against injury-hit Wasps but surrendered six line-outs on their own throw in a hard-fought clash at Sixways.

Hogg praised Warriors’ “energy” and “endeavour” on a freezing afternoon but admitted the hosts “probably showed a bit of inexperience in calling” at the line-out.

Ultimately, Warriors’ lack of composure — with Jaba Bregvadze missing the target with five line-out throws — proved their downfall.

“We showed a huge amount of energy and endeavour and for long periods we looked a good rugby side,” said Hogg.

“The set-piece malfunctioned which didn’t allow us the control to get out of our own half and allow us to apply pressure in Wasps’ half.

“We had plenty of possession but looked a bit frantic because of the lack of set-piece security.

“We were dominant at the scrum in the first half and got one or two penalties but we were always under pressure at line-out time.

“We were winning penalties through scrums and looking to march down the field only to lose the line-out.

“There are two or three aspects of the line-out which we need to address.

“James Gaskell and Kearnan Myall are two excellent line-out operators for Wasps and we probably showed a bit of inexperience in calling but that’s part of the learning curve.”

Wasps’ stand-in kicker Rob Miller, in his first appearance at fly-half for four years, finished with an impressive 16-point haul.

Centre Brendan Macken snaffled an intercept from Jamie Shillcock’s flat pass in the opening minute to run in Wasps’ first try and Dan Robson scored a trademark touchdown in the second half.

Warriors’ teenage fly-half Shillcock slotted four penalties for Warriors but also missed the target with a kick at goal early in the second period.

“Macken shot out of the line as we ran a strike move and intercepted it but we showed great composure to work our way back into the game,” said Hogg.

“We didn’t panic, chipped away, got some high field position, retained possession and got one or two penalties of our own.

“Wasps have a good defensive system but we have to be more patient.

"I was disappointed not to get a losing bonus point with the endeavour we showed and the amount of ball we had.”

Wasps director of rugby Dai Young was “absolutely delighted” with his side’s victory which lifts them back to second in the table.

“We have a massive injury list at the moment and that is where a squad comes to the fore,” he said.

“I thought it was a fantastic win for us. For me, this has to be up there with one of the best wins we’ve had this year.

“This is a tough league. If you look at top to bottom, any team can beat each other. There are no places you can go and think it is going to be a comfortable win.

“Worcester are a good team and I think this is one of our better wins. I am absolutely delighted.”