WORCESTER Cavaliers made it three consecutive bonus-point wins in the Premiership Rugby Shield by overcoming a resilient Wasps side 47-38 in a 12-try thriller in Henley-on-Thames.

Both sides included guest players from other clubs but still served up a highly entertaining contest which was in the balance until Cavs scored two tries in a five minute period late in the second half.

In the end the Cavs had enough experience in key areas to withstand Wasps’ youthful exuberance with captain Jonny Arr controlling things at the base of the scrum and Zimbabwe international tighthead Farai Mudariki anchoring things in a mobile pack.

The Cavs outscored Wasps seven tries to five with Tom Howe wasting no time in re-introducing himself to his former club. Luke Scully added the extras.

Scully also converted tries from Jack Cooke, guesting from London Irish, and Tom Dodd to cancel out scores from Callum Sirker and George Thornton and put Cavaliers 21-17 in front at half-time.

Thornton drove over for his second try but Wasps’ lead was quickly wiped out by Mason Tonks and then Beck Cutting touched down. With Scully receiving treatment James Williams, of Birmingham Moseley landed the conversion.

A converted Sirker try cut Wasps’ deficit to two points before James Scott went over and Scully slotted the conversion.

Matti Williams then crossed from close range and Scully added two further points from the tee to give Cavaliers 47-31 lead with five minutes left.

Wasps had the last word when Alfie Barbeary barrelled his way over in the corner and Jardine converted from the touchline.

Cavaliers: Walker; Howe, Lawrence (J Williams 40), Hassell-Collins (Butler 75), Tonks; Scully, Arr © (Clancy 75); Owen (Rigby 57), Cutting (Spencer 75), Mudariki (Morris 57), Clegg, Scott, Cooke (Wakeling 75), M Williams (Bean 42-52), Dodd.