LAST season was a “big tick in the box” for Worcester Warriors, according to departing back row Phil Dowson.

And the experienced campaigner believes it was “commendable” for Warriors to finish 10th in their maiden season in the Aviva Premiership after promotion from the Championship.

The 35-year-old will be leaving Warriors at the end of the campaign after two seasons to take up an assistant coach’s role at his former club Northampton Saints.

Dowson praised the efforts of former Warriors director of rugby Dean Ryan, who quit the club last summer.

Warriors have struggled this term but are six points better off than bottom side Bristol in their fight for top tier survival.

Reflecting on his stint at Sixways, Dowson said: “If you look at the way the season has gone with London Welsh and Bristol, for us to stay up last season in such a way was commendable.

“It’s a tough thing to come straight up from the Championship.

“I don’t think Dean (Ryan), at that time, spent a huge amount of money with guys coming in.

“There was me, Donners (Donncha O’Callaghan) and Wynand (Olivier) who came in and then Francois (Hougaard) later in the season.

“I think staying up in this league from the Championship is tough to do and you only really realise it in hindsight when you see Bristol, who have a side packed full of Premiership experience and quality internationals.

“It took them until Christmas to get their finger on the pulse.

“Fair enough, they gave us a good hiding before beating other sides to find their feet in the Premiership.”

Dowson added: “Last season was a big tick in the box for the guys here.”