Worcester's Pat Sanderson forces his way over for a try at Sixways © Getty Images

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Matches: Worcester Warriors 20 - 24 Wasps

Players/Officials: Danny Cipriani | Tom Rees | Pat Sanderson | Dominic Waldouck

Tournaments/Tours: Guinness Premiership

Teams: England | Wasps | Worcester Warriors

Worcester boss Mike Ruddock admits his relegation-haunted face a make-or- break clash against Guinness Premiership rivals Leeds Carnegie next weekend.

The Warriors could be relegated if they lose in Yorkshire, ending their six-season stint as a Premiership club. They are two points behind Leeds, although Worcester somehow conjured a losing bonus against title play-off contenders Wasps at Sixways today, losing 24-20 after trailing by 18 points early on.

"Leeds are a well-organised team and they will be very difficult on their own patch," acknowledged Ruddock. "But we have to deliver, it is as simple as that. If there was a league table for passion, desire and commitment, we would be top of it after our performance today.

"We went toe to toe with one of the best teams in Europe. We went 21-3 behind, and a lot of sides would have dropped their heads, but we dominated the game after that. I wanted the win today, and we weren't a million miles away after a bad start. There were so many positives, but unfortunately it is another loss and the league table doesn't lie."

Wasps were made to scrap in the sunshine after two Dominic Waldouck tries and a Tom Rees touchdown eased them clear. But Worcester, belying their rock-bottom status, displayed admirable character to fight back through tries from skipper Pat Sanderson and substitute centre Alex Grove, while fly-half Willie Walker booted 10 points.

Sanderson, meanwhile, suffered a second-half 'stinger' injury to his neck and shoulder which must make him a doubt for the Headingley clash. Wasps' victory took them back into the play-off places, one point above London Irish, who host Leeds tomorrow.

Waldouck was the star performer in their first-ever win at Sixways, although rugby director Tony Hanks admitted his team lost their shape after his star centre went off injured after 27 minutes.

"I thought Dom was outstanding," said Hanks. "We lost our shape in attack and defence when he went off. He's got a real good feel for the game and is playing with a lot of confidence. I think he is due a chance (with England).

"You don't come to Worcester expecting a bonus point, but it is disappointing because we started well enough to give ourselves the chance of one. We've kept ourselves in the hunt in terms of the play-offs, and we have a huge fixture next weekend against a team (Bath) that is playing very well."

Wasps coach Shaun Edwards added, "We started like a house on fire, but then we were hanging on at the end. If we could keep the intensity up for 80 minutes, we would be very dangerous. But we are playing in fits and starts."