Exeter battled through to the second round of the Cheltenham & Gloucester Cup after victory in the only first round tie to survive Sunday's cold snap.

The home side started the second leg with a 14 point-lead - and within three minutes they had increased their advantage.

Prop Wayne Reed powered over for a try after some good pressure from the pack and fly-half Bryan Easson converted to make it 7-0 on the day.

Worcester hit back with a try from centre Mike Morgans, his first for the club, but full-back Tim Smith sliced the conversion wide.

The game continued at a furious pace with some entertaining football and just before half-time Exeter increased their lead with a penalty from Easson.

After a brief flurry of activity early in the second half Worcester lost their edge, partly due to some poor ball retention.