JAMIE Shillcock scored a hat-trick in an outstanding individual display as Worcester Warriors cruised to a 57-14 victory over Enisei-STM in Russia.

Rampant Warriors hammered the European Challenge Cup minnows as they ran in nine tries – five coming in the opening period – at the near-deserted Kuban Stadium.

Richard Palframan, Nick David, Jono Kitto, Oli Morris, Justin Clegg and Gareth Simpson all crossed but it was Shillcock who stole the show.

The fly-half was unstoppable at times as he bagged a 27-point haul to get Warriors’ European campaign off to a flying start.

Geoff Berkeley picks out five talking points from Friday’s victory.

SHILLCOCK SHINES BRIGHTEST.

Warriors’ fans have been aware of Shillcock’s talents since he was called up as a schoolboy in 2015 but this was arguably his best performance in Worcester colours.

Viewed by many as a full-back, Shillcock underlined his ability to stamp his authority at fly-half with an awesome showing.

The shackles were off as Shillcock toyed with Enisei as he faked to pass to Perry Humphreys before diving over in the corner.

The 22-year-old then showed his searing pace in the second half as he stormed home from the halfway before scoring from even further out.

After gaining possession 60 metres out, Shillcock caught Enisei flat-footed with a clever kick over the top. He then nipped round a defender, collected the ball before fending off two tacklers on his way to the try-line.

GREAT MATCH BUT WHERE’S THE CROWD?

Shillcock’s couple of long-range scores were among the highlights of an entertaining encounter but very few were inside the 31,000-capacity Kuban Stadium to witness it.

The official attendance was a mere 400 but judging by the pictures there appeared to be even less than that.

Enisei staged the clash in Krasnodar – 2,500 miles away from their home in Krasnoyarsk where temperatures are below freezing.

But surely rugby chiefs need to cater for fans too when considering venues as no match in Europe’s second tier should be played in a near-empty stadium.

It created a bizarre atmosphere which must have been hard for both sets of players who are used to feeding off the support from spectators.

But fair play to Worcester as they overcame a 17-hour trip to produce a demolition job.

HOW DID THE YOUNG GUNS GET ON?

Opting to rest his Premiership stars, boss Alan Solomons gave his talented crop of youngsters the chance to shine. And they grasped their opportunity with both hands.

Morris, signed from Saracens this summer, was one player that stood out. The centre looked sharp in all departments as he got on the end of a great move to mark his debut with a try.

He also combined well with the precocious Ollie Lawrence in midfield as the duo teamed up to stop Enisei’s ball carriers.

Tom Dodd was another academy ace that stepped up to the plate. The number eight appears to have benefitted from loan spells in the Championship and National Leagues as he produced a stunning performance.

The Scot was all over the park, making key tackles, racking up 95 metres and providing assists for Morris and Simpson.

There were also impressive displays from Clegg and Andrew Kitchener in the second row while debutant Morgan Monks slotted in seamlessly when he came off the bench.

INJURIES ARE THE ONLY DAMPENER.

Back in the team, wing Dean Hammond and flanker Matti Williams would have been desperate to put down a marker.

But the pair now look set for spells on the sidelines after picking up injuries in Russia.

Immediately after Warriors’ opening try on 17 minutes, Hammond caught the kick-off only to have his left foot accidently trod on by an Enisei player.

Hammond tried to run it off but after just one canter up field it was clear the South African had to leave the field.

Williams was having a good game and produced a brilliant break from just inside Warriors’ half own to set up Clegg for his try.

But Williams would have gone all the way had he not sustained a suspected hamstring injury and looked close to tears when he was helped off the pitch.

NO REPEAT OF 2016 DEFEAT.

In October 2016, a youthful Worcester side including the likes of Shillcock and Kitchener travelled to Moscow only to lose 19-12 to Enisei.

But three years on Warriors showed their class against the same opponents with Shillcock and Kitchener demonstrating how far they have come in that period.

By giving minnows Enisei this exposure, it is hoped that they will develop but they lost all their pool games in the past two seasons and got off to a sorry start this term.

The Russian champions were not completely overawed as they scored two tries with fly-half Ramil Gaisen keeping Warriors guessing with cross-field kicks and powerful forward Jeremy Jordaan proving hard to stop.

But Worcester passed this Russian test with flying colours and will now look ahead to facing Castres in France on Saturday.