GLOUCESTER boss David Humphreys praised youngster Billy Burns who helped galvanise the side as they grabbed a 24-22 Aviva Premiership victory over Worcester at Kingsholm.

Burns came on for an out-of-sorts Billy Twelvetrees, who kicked three penalties to add to tries from Richard Hibbard, Sione Kalamafoni and David Halaifonua.

Humhreys said of Burns: "Billy was very good, he gave us some energy and his half-break set up the try for Halaifonua.

"It was always a plan to bring Burns on and to give him some game time. It was not pre-planned to take off Billy Twelvetrees but it was the right call at that time."

With 10 minutes to go, Gloucester seemed to have secured victory when a pass from Billy Meakes sent Jonny May over in the corner but the referee controversially ruled no try, indicating that it was a forward pass.

Humphreys said: "I'm all for not going to the TMO on too many occasions but the referee did make a mistake and made the wrong call.

"It cost us a bonus point and the try would have sealed the match at that stage.

"However for large parts of the match, we were in control but couldn't turn our pressure into points. Huge credit for Worcester for they were hard to beat."