THE artificial surface at Sixways can make a “big difference” in Worcester Warriors’ quest to avoid the Gallagher Premiership trapdoor.

That is the view of speedster Bryce Heem who is aiming to make full use of Warriors’ “fast track” in the coming weeks.

Three of Warriors’ remaining four fixtures are at home, starting tomorrow when they face Sale Sharks (3pm).

Worcester, who are three points above the relegation zone, will then host Gloucester on April 28 and Saracens on May 18 either side of a trip to Northampton Saints on May 4.

“The pitch makes a big difference when you are not used to playing on it,” Heem said.

“We train on it and speaking to some players (from other teams) that have played on it they say they find their legs get quite heavy and tired on it.

“It’s a fast track and I think that will definitely work to our advantage in the coming games.”

Warriors have won just one of their previous six meetings against Sale at Sixways including a 34-34 draw in the 2016-17 season.

Sharks have had an impressive campaign so far as they sit in fifth position in the league and have a European Challenge Cup semi-final at La Rochelle to look forward to.

But Steve Diamond’s men have lost three of their past four games on the road.

“Sale have been going well this season,” Heem said.

“They are quite a physical team and like to get in your face.

“We are going to have to fight fire with fire and really bring it to them.

“I think we have gone fairly well at home this season so that’s something that works to our advantage and we are fighting for survival too so I definitely think we will front up on the weekend.”

Heem added: “I don’t know too much about the history of the Premiership but I can’t imagine there has been a table quite as tight as this one this year.

“There are only a handful of points between the bottom four so I guess these next few games are crucial for everybody.

“Wins are a must going forward.”