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An improved second-half performance gave Worcester a handsome opening LV= Cup win over Scarlets.

The visitors led 6-13 at the break after Andy Fenby's try, with Owen Williams converting after also landing two earlier penalties.

But Worcester took control after the break with tries from Ben Howard, Semisi Taulava and Jake Abbott.

Kristian Phillips responded with a Scarlets try but Neil Best's late score gave Worcester the final say.

Joe Carlisle converted all four Worcester tries, ending with a personal points haul of 14.

Worcester Warriors full-back Chris Pennell told ´óÏó´«Ã½ Hereford & Worcester:

"We really struggled in the first half to keep hold of the ball. At half-time, we realised if we could keep hold of it, then there were four tries out there in the second half.

"Maybe a couple of the tries were slightly lucky but it was a much-improved second half.

"The LV= Cup is another opportunity to win silverware. It would be great to be playing in the final here at Sixways in front of a home crowd."

TEAMS

Scarlets: A Fenby; K Phillips, G Maule (capt), A Warren, L Williams; A Thomas, A Davies; S Hopkins, K Myhill, J Adriaanse, J Ball, J Snyman, C Price, D Thomas, K Murphy.

Replacements: R Wilkes, G Thomas, P Edwards, G Earle, J Edwards, R Williams, O Williams, N Reynolds.

Worcester: Chris Pennell; Nikki Walker, Alex Grove, Jon Clarke, Andy Short; Joe Carlisle, Jonny Arr; George Porter, Ed Shervington, James Currie, Dean Schofield (capt), Chris Jones, Richard de Carpentier, Jake Abbott, Blair Cowan.

Replacements: Ollie Hayes, Ceri Jones, Rob O'Donnell, James Percival, Neil Best, Ollie Frost, Andy Goode, Ben Howard.

Referee: TBC