DIRECTOR of rugby Alan Solomons conceded Worcester Warriors were “outmuscled” in their 36-16 Gallagher Premiership humbling at Gloucester.

A trio of Duncan Weir penalties saw Warriors recover from 10-0 down to get within one point of the hosts at half-time.

But Gloucester who scored tries through James Hanson and Charlie Sharples in the first period crossed the whitewash four more times after the break.

Ollie Thorley struck twice while Freddie Clarke and Jaco Visagie went over to open up a 36-9 advantage with 18 minutes left.

Warriors rallied with Bryce Heem going over late on but Solomons insisted his side were beaten by the “better side on the day”.

“I thought the pack was a factor but overall they outmuscled us,” Solomons said.

“Physically they were on top of us.

“Rugby is a game of collisions and they dominated that.

“Well done to them.

“I am not saying that we couldn’t play better. Of course we could have done but they were the better side on the day.”

Warriors suffered a blow when full-back Chris Pennell saw yellow when he collided with the airborne Sharples on 57 minutes.

With a man advantage Gloucester scored two tries but Solomons was delighted to see his side fight until the death as Heem struck while Pennell was in the sin-bin.

“We were perhaps a little bit fortunate to go into the Shed at 10-9 at half-time,” Solomons said.

“They then had that big run at the beginning of the second half where they got well ahead of us.

“But what pleased me was that we did not throw in the towel, we stuck to our task, we got a try and should have got another try.

“We got a little bit anxious at the end there and a little frenetic with quick taps but I was pleased with the way we finished off and showed good character.”

Warriors slipped to ninth while Gloucester climbed to third position.

Head coach Johan Ackermann was pleased to see his team bounce back after last week's 23-6 loss at Exeter Chiefs.

“At half-time the boys took on the messages that we have got to be accurate in those first 10 minutes in the second half," Ackermann said.

“We got the scoreboard rolling with some good tries.

“We had the game wrapped up but we knocked off and we made some silly mistakes defensively.

“Saying that just after last week where we missed a lot of opportunities I thought we were much more accurate and credit to the players for turning it around.

“Worcester are a quality side.

“They are well coached and are a team that push sides all the way.

“We were pleased to get the win and great to do it in front of our supporters.”