However, Hill is determined to get even more from his team in a league that he admits had improved immeasurably since he was last coaching at this level.

"The Championship is certainly tougher now than the last time I was involved in it," said Hill.

"The teams, coaches and professionalism have all improved - it is very hard work and you have to battle it out in games.

"There is no point hitting your top form in November, because it is March when it counts. However, I am pleased that this performance was better so we have seen some progress.

"I've tried to keep selection fairly steady for the last five games and we've won four of them. We've got games coming up now where I will use some squad rotation, so some of these guys can have a rest and others can have the chance to stake their claim.

"These matches will be tough when we go to the play-offs - all of the teams who qualify will be tough," he added.

"We won't be arriving on March 12 expecting an easy game - what we've got to do is make sure our performances really start to kick on.

"We will have to continue to improve, but I'm actually happy we are not 100 per cent yet - we've got a lot of months left to keep them motivated and interested."

Watch the Warriors when they tackle Plymouth Albion at Sixways this coming Saturday. Call the Warriors Box Office on 01905 454183.