Chris Latham scored a hat-trick of tries as Worcester began the new European Challenge Cup season with a resounding 55-6 victory over Petrarca Padova at Stadio Plebiscito in Italy.

The Warriors, beaten finalists in the competition last season, ran in nine tries as their Italian counterparts wilted under intense pressure.

Centre Alex Grove added a brace of tries for Worcester, with New Zealanders Rico Gear, Greg Rawlinson and Sam Tuitupou and home-gown wing Charlie Fellows also on the scoresheet.

Mike Ruddock's men had secured a try-scoring bonus point inside 33 minutes thanks to Grove's third-minute opener and Latham's hat-trick.

Matthew Jones added four conversions and Latham one, with Petraca's only points coming from the boot of former Gloucester outside-half Ludovic Mercier.