LOSING “crucial” line-outs proved costly for Worcester Warriors in their 24-21 defeat to Sale Sharks in the Anglo-Welsh Cup, admits backs coach Sam Vesty.

Warriors had the visitors pinned in their own half at the start of the season half as they looked to reduce their 21-7 deficit.

But the home side’s decision to set up attacking line-outs did not pay off as it repeatedly faltered and Vesty felt their failure to secure the ball “released the pressure valve”.

“We lost crucial set piece when we had them under the pump,” Vesty said.

“When you lose the set piece you release that pressure valve and we let that happen far too many times.

“I think it was evident that if we had managed to get the ball into the wide channel Bryce (Heem) was looking very strong and sharp out there.

“But when we released that pressure valve we struggled.

“I think we have got to look at ourselves pretty harshly because we should have come away with points in that third quarter (of the game).”

As well as struggling to make their numerical advantage count after James Flynn saw yellow on 56 minutes Vesty was frustrated to see Warriors concede a try just before the break.

Ben Curry went over on the stroke of half-time moments after Will Cliff and TJ Ioane scored either side of Michael Dowsett’s early try.

However, Vesty was pleased with his team’s fighting spirit as Ollie Lawrence came off the bench to score a try before setting up Tom Howe who touched down at the death to claim a losing bonus point.

“There was some good, positive stuff,” Vesty said.

“I thought the guys’ attitude was incredible as they put it out there for a full 80 minutes.

“But there were a few too many mistakes so we couldn’t capitalise on the opportunities that we had.

“(The lineout) was (the biggest frustration). If we had managed to retain the ball we would not have released the pressure on them.

“When it worked in that first half I though the backs played really well in that first half and looked really dangerous.

“But we just couldn’t go and put that on the opposition again and ultimately that cost us.”

Sale attack coach Paul Deacon hailed Bryce Heem as “different class” as the Warriors back produced a man-of-the-match showing.

But he was delighted by how well his troops stood up to the challenge as they claimed an away victory.

“I am really made up for all the players,” Deacon said.

“The experienced players stood up and led by the example and the young lads followed.

“To have seven debutants get on the field, two of them were the club’s youngest ever, is credit to the academy staff for bring that talent through.

“I thought we were defensively outstanding as we probably only got troubled in the first and second phases from line-outs.

“I thought Worcester were very good and Heem was a different class.

“Every time he touched the ball he looked like he was going to create something.

“He is a class player and our younger lads on the edges will learn from that.”