Ben Howard's late try has secured a 19-3 victory for Worcester Warriors over Satde Rochelais to start their European Rugby Challenge Cup campaign at Sixways Stadium.

Ryan Lamb slotted an early penalty as the RFU Championship holders took a slim lead in a competitive opening, and the fly-half added a second with 10 minutes gone as the home side had the better of the play in the early stages.

However, Howard was penalised at the breakdown just moments later and the French side took their opportunity to halve the deficit as Charles Bouldoire converted to get Rochelais on the scoreboard in a lively first quarter.

In a match devoid of clear try-scoring chances, the hosts failed to take a good opportunity when they could not capitalise on a lineout five metres from the try-line, although Lamb did get the chance to kick a third penalty and extend the lead to 9-3.

However, they were then pinned back by a good spell of pressure from the French side as the game remained tight, but Bouldoire could only strike the post from his second penalty attempt.

Lamb extended the lead with another kick seconds before the half-time whistle to complete an error-strewn half, and Bouldoire missed anoother opportunity as the game continued to be dominated by kicking chances in the second period.

Ben Sowrey was hauled down on the 22 after racing away with a loose ball as Warriors searched for an opening to score, before they then turned over possession on their own five-metre line as Rochelais wasted a penalty.

The visitors then squandered a golden chance when they knocked on five metres from the line, and Warriors returned the favour shortly afterwards as errors cost both sides key opportunities.

The only try of the match finally arrived three minutes from time to seal victory for the hosts, Howard linking up well with Ravai Fatiaki and cutting between defenders to go over and get Warriors' campaign off to a good start.