Ruddock hails Warriors youngsters

Gilding played only his fifth first team game against Newcastle

Worcester Warriors director of rugby Mike Ruddock has hailed the club's youngsters for their role in Saturday's 32-6 LV= Cup win over Newcastle.

Ruddock told BBC Hereford and Worcester that he was proud of their efforts.

"We had a number of guys out there who were academy products and that didn't escape me when I looked back at the game on the final whistle," he said.

"It is very rewarding to see our own guys coming through and really stepping up to the mark."

Ruddock had particular praise for tight-head prop Jack Gilding.

"I felt Jack Gilding was man-of-the-match for us, our young tight-head prop was outstanding," said Ruddock.

To see one of your own coming through, and playing a big part in the game, was very rewarding Mike Ruddock on Jack Gilding

"He is still learning and coming through, but that was a big test for him to go 80 minutes against some very experienced players.

"We're delighted as there are not many tight-heads around.

"To see one of your own coming through, and playing a big part in the game, was very rewarding."

But Gilding was not the only emerging Worcester talent to catch Ruddock's eye.

"People like Ollie Frost came on and scored a great try and Woody (Tom Wood) got a score," he added.

"You look through the team and you have Callum Black and Jack Gilding in the front row, Will Bowley in the second row and Jake Abbott in the back row with Woody.

"Frosty (Ollie Frost) and George Crook coming on and, of course, people like Miles Benjamin playing."

Worcester's next game in the LV= Cup is against Llannelli Scarlets at Parc y Scarlets on Saturday (1500 GMT).

There will be full commentary on BBC Hereford and Worcester on 104 FM and online.