PROUD boss Alan Solomons said his Worcester Warriors players gained “a good amount of confidence” despite leaving Saracens empty-handed after a 25-17 defeat at Allianz Park.

Warriors burst into a 14-0 lead inside the opening 13 minutes thanks to tries from Duncan Weir and Ben Te’o and were 17-11 up at half-time.

But Saracens’ pressure told in the second period as Calum Clark and David Strettle went over to put the hosts ahead in the Gallagher Premiership clash.

Duncan Weir missed a late chance to secure what Solomons felt would have been a “deserved bonus point” as the fly-half put his penalty wide.

But the Warriors chief insisted he was “very proud” with the way his side responded after last week’s 32-6 home trouncing at the hands of Northampton Saints.

“We didn’t do ourselves justice in that game last week,” Solomons said.

“Yes, I know the intercepts made a difference but I felt we were on the back foot throughout that first half.

“It was very important for us to come out and play with character.

“To get the start that we did really kick-started the game for us.

“We always knew they were going to come back at us and we spoke at half-time about the first 10 minutes being critical.

“We did hold them out but with so much territory and possession a really quality side like Saracens are going to get points.

“I think we deserved a bonus point.

“It’s terrible that we didn’t get it but that is the way it is.

“I think the match generated a good amount of confidence going into what will be a big game for us (against Bath at Sixways) next week.”

Warriors also arrived in north London with a reshuffled side after being hit by injuries to key players.

Centre Ryan Mills (wrist), wing Josh Adams (hamstring), prop Nick Schonert (sternum) and back-row forward Marco Mama (knee) were all ruled out.

They were also forced into a late change as lock Michael Fatialofa withdrew through illness.

But Warriors took the game to Sarries and Solomons was delighted to see Te’o, Humphreys, Gareth Milasinovich and Ted Hill step up to the mark in their absence.

“The important point for me was the character that the side showed throughout the game,” Solomons said.

“We lost Michael who is a big player for us and there were a number of other lads out as well.

“But I thought the lads did really well. I was very proud of them.”

Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall was unable to put his finger on the reason for his side’s slow start but felt they passed the test with flying colours.

“The first try is just one of those things that can happen and the second was a first-phase move that we didn’t defend well enough,” McCall said.

“But that was the test.

“Having lost last weekend and not played great, to then be 14-0 down it was a good test for us and I thought we came through it very well.”