London Welsh secured their first win of the season on Sunday as they edged past Exeter Chiefs in a tense game, ending 25-24.
After a tough start to the season with games against Leicester and Harlequins, Welsh were determined to give a true account of themselves this time out. A strong account was certainly what they gave, despite a strong start from Exeter.
Welsh can now take confidence into the rest of the season that they can compete in this league and, as is often the case in sport, confidence is likely to be key to their possible survival.
Exeter will be disappointed, but have started the season in good form and will try to view this as a blip, though Rob Baxter will be angry at their inability to compete to their usual standard up front.
Harlequins recorded their third bonus point victory in a row to take the lead in the Premiership after beating Sale 37-14.
Once again Nick Evans was in imperious form, ably assisted by his awesome support cast, which included excellent performances from returning Danny Care and Ugo Monye with his third try in two games.
Quins will be full of confidence going into next weekend’s game against Leicester Tigers in a re run of last season’s Premiership final, with Evans in such form and his backline and pack looking great around him, Quins will be favourites.
Sale meanwhile are still yet to record a win, and while some of their rugby has been very good they need to start converting that into points or they will be in for a very tough season.
The big game of the weekend at Wembley saw Saracens and Leicester draw 9-9. 41,000 fans were present to witness this heavyweight duel, but it ended up being a battle of the kickers.
Unfortunately for Saracens Owen Farrell had an off day with the boot, missing four of his five attempts at goal. With his main rival for the England 10 shirt, Toby Flood, looking solid in front of goal it will not have done him many favours.
For the third game in succession London Irish conceded over 40 points as they went down 43-14 to London Wasps. In a true game of two halves, Irish were actually leading 11-9 at half time before Wasps turned on the style at the break, and Irish’s frailties in defence were exposed.
For Wasps it is a magnificent result, their early season try scoring from was yet to bring them a win but this win showed all the confidence that they have been building. 23 points on debut from fly half Stephen Jones was a welcome boost too.
A second draw of the day came at Sixways where Worcester entertained Gloucester.
An even game, Worcester went 3 points ahead with a matter of seconds on the clock. Chaos then ensued as the restart was spilled, from the resulting scrum Gloucester were awarded a controversial penalty which Freddie Burns calmly knocked over.
It was a controversial end but ultimately a fair result as Gloucester Coach Nigel Davis agreed.
Friday night saw Northampton travel to Bath where the Midlands side ran out 18-14 winners thanks to five Stephen Myler penalties and a Tom May drop goal. The Saint’s may not have been playing with the flair of some sides but their ruthless pack and consistent manner mean they are sure to be in the right place come the end of the season.
