IT was too late before Manchester realised that National One promotion favourites Worcester were only mortal in their season opener on Saturday.

Worcester won 45-11, racing into a 31-0 lead within half an hour, but Afi Leulia said: ''I believe we beat ourselves as there was almost a feeling of awe that we were facing the perceived might of full-time Worcester.

''Once we realised we could actually compete with them it was too late. Hopefully, we will have learned a lesson from which we can only benefit in the long run.''

Hooker Mike Armstrong added: ''We gave them far too much respect in the opening half hour and paid a heavy price as we allowed them to score tries almost at will.

''Once we got our heads together, especially in the second half, we were clearly the better team and dominated the match.''

There was no joy either in National Two for newly promoted Sedgley Park and relegated Orrell.

Sedgley faced a daunting task at Plymouth Albion and went down 34-13. They found former Sale Jets fly-half Tom Barlow in scintillating form.

Orrell foolishly spurned a late penalty chance when trailing by just three points at Stourbridge. The hoped-for try didn't materialize and the game ended in a 21-18 defeat.

Director of rugby Sammy Southern said: ''You can't expect to win games if you don't take the points on offer.

''We did enough to win and we have to bear in mind that this side only came together three weeks ago. The general spirit is very good and improving all the time.''