GUY MERCER admits the champagne to celebrate his Bath Rugby century this weekend will taste much sweeter with a much-needed win.

Flanker Mercer, a product of the club’s academy, is set to make his 100th appearance for Bath when they travel to Worcester Warriors in the Aviva Premiership on Saturday.

Mike Ford’s men are desperately seeking a win at Sixways after falling to a sixth straight defeat last time out to rivals Gloucester.

The 26-year-old made his debut in an LV= Cup clash against Saracens just over six years ago and the then teenager followed that up by going head-to-head with former All Black Jerry Collins a week later.

Those moments still sit fondly in Mercer’s memory but the next match is always the most important, especially if it helps Bath get back to winning ways.

“It’s crept up on me a bit. I got told about it at the start of the week, so I’m quite excited to play as it’s a big achievement,” said Mercer.

“I knew at the start of the season that it was on the horizon but you don’t want to think about things like that, you just take each game as it comes. Now it’s here, I am very proud.

“I do remember my debut, it was in an LV= Cup game against Saracens, and then the next week I played against Jerry Collins and then the next game was my Premiership debut, so they were quite a nice three to start with.

“At the time you are not thinking about reaching 100, you just want to do as well as you can on your debut and try to impress.

“Another 100 after this would be lovely but I’m just going to be thinking the same way as I did on my debut – trying to play as well as I can.

“That landmark is far off and you can’t think about what might come up in the future.”

The reverse fixture against Worcester back on December 27 was the last time Bath tasted victory, securing a 21-14 triumph at The Rec.

Warriors are currently involved in a three-way battle at the bottom with Newcastle Falcons and London Irish, with the teams separated by just a single point as they fight to avoid the drop.

Mercer is therefore well aware that the hosts will be out to spoil his party.

“It’s another big challenge for us. We’ve had a rough few games but we have taken stock, we are 10 points off fifth place and we have a game in hand,” said Mercer.

“We’re expecting another difficult game against them but it’s one we hope we can win.”