Clermont too good for battling Warriors
Worcester left chasing too much after poor start
Worcester were made to pay for a shocking start as Clermont Auvergne scored a crucial European Challenge Cup Pool Five win at Sixways.
Clermont's 35-22 win guarantees them top spot, with Worcester needing a big win at Viadana next Saturday to have a chance of sneaking into the quarter-finals as one of the three best runners-up.
The Warriors were awful in the opening quarter, conceding 20 points in as many minutes before back-rower Drew Hickey livened up the Sixways crowd with a good try.
The game exploded minutes before the half-time whistle, with Clermont forwards Thibaut Privat and Michel Dieude both shown yellow cards for professional fouls.
The pressure on the six remaining forwards proved too much and Worcester were awarded a penalty try to trail only 25-17 at the break.
Clermont fly-half Brock James edged his side further ahead with his fifth goal of the afternoon, and the Warriors' hopes of a comeback ended when skipper Pat Sanderson was sent to the bin for killing the ball.
Hooker Brice James confirmed Clermont's bonus point in the 70th minute, before impressive Worcester replacement Gavin Quinnell rumbled over.
Glasgow are still in the quarter-final shake-up after cruising to a 47-17 bonus-point victory at Italian side GRAN Parma.
Scotland international Dan Parks helped himself to 17 points, with Australian scrum-half Sam Pinder and winger Rory Lamont bagging try doubles.
Glasgow romped to a 42-3 lead after only 50 minutes, but went off the boil to give the Italian fans the chance to cheer converted tries to back-rower Julio Alcacer and fly-half Rima Wakarua, before Glasgow full-back Sean Marsden bagged his side's sixth and final try.
Unbeaten Pool Two leaders Saracens host Narbonne on Sunday but will need to beat Glasgow at Hughenden next Friday night to guarantee a berth in the final eight.
