WORCESTER Warriors were powerless to stop Gloucester from lighting up Kingsholm with a second-half blitz in a thumping 36-16 Gallagher Premiership triumph.

Tries from James Hanson and Charlie Sharples sent the home side on their way before three Duncan Weir penalties saw Warriors reduce the deficit to 10-9 at half-time.

But the Cherry and Whites were a different animal after the break thanks to a dominant forward pack and a potent finisher in Ollie Thorley.

The wing crossed twice and Freddie Clarke and Jaco Visagie also went over before Bryce Heem grabbed a late consolation try.

Sports reporter Geoff Berkeley picks out five talking points.

WARRIORS’ SEARCH FOR CONSISTENCY CONTINUES

In almost every interview I did with a player or coach in pre-season the word consistency cropped up more than once.

Worcester were keen to emphasise their drive to produce a high level of performance every week this term.

But their sorry displays at Bath and Gloucester either side of their victory over Harlequins at Sixways show there is a lot of work to do.

Last week it was Worcester’s rearguard action that helped them prevail against Quins but it was a contrasting picture at Kingsholm.

Gloucester sliced through Warriors on several occasions as they ran in six tries to leave defence coach Omar Mouneimne with plenty to ponder.

LACK OF PACK POWER A CONCERN

Warriors may have a threatening back-line but they need to possession and their forwards are central to that.

On far too many occasions Gloucester got on top of their rivals at the breakdown and in the tackle, showing greater tenacity to win the ball.

The hosts’ set-piece was also more effective with two of their six scores coming from well-executed lineouts.

Worcester were not helped by injuries to back rowers Gerrit-Jan van Velze and Matti Williams that resulted in lock Darren Barry stepping in at blindside flanker.

But it was not the first time Warriors have been outmuscled up front this season and if they do not address that area it is unlikely to be the last.

CLUMSY CHRIS ESCAPES RED

At 22-9 down Warriors suffered a big blow when Chris Pennell was sin-binned but the question is whether his challenge on Sharples warranted more.

Danny Cipriani delivered a looping pass out wide to Sharples who jumped to gather only for Pennell to clatter into his legs and send the wing crashing to the ground.

On first viewing the full-back looked set to see red as the home crowd voiced their dismay.

But after several checks with the TMO Sharples landed on his side, not his head and it appeared to be more clumsy than reckless from Pennell who was rightly yellow carded.

LOSS OF INFLUENTIAL DUO PROVES CRUCIAL

When it was announced flanker Sam Lewis and scrum-half Francois Hougaard would play no part on Saturday due to injury there’s no doubt Gloucester would have gained an extra spring in their step.

The pair were excellent in the win over Quins and they left large holes in Worcester’s side at Kingsholm as their replacements Williams and Michael Heaney found life tough against physical opponents.

However there were strong performances from Worcester’s dogged midfield pairing of Ryan Mills and Francois Venter who battled hard throughout and Duncan Weir’s 100 per cent record from the tee was another plus point.

FROM TOP-SIX CONTENDERS TO RELEGATION BATTLERS

After seeing off Quins Worcester climbed to seventh but a week later they find themselves hovering two points above the drop zone in ninth.

It’s so tight this season that only four points separate bottom club Newcastle Falcons and sixth-placed Bath who drew 7-7 with Sale Sharks.

Home form will be key for Warriors who host Northampton Saints in another huge encounter at Sixways just before Christmas.

But Alan Solomons’ side must improve on the road. That’s the third successive away game in the league where Worcester have failed to notch any points.