A bonus point win against the mighty Montpellier sets up nicely as favourites for the first quarter final European Champions Cup spot.
The French did commendably lead 14-12 just after the break, but tired as the half went on thanks to being one man short and trying to contain Alfie Bearberry.
He scored twice with Gaskell (right), Odogwu, Atkinson getting the others in the 33-14 win.
Lee Blackett's decision to give the young guns their head was fully justified.
He said: "It was great to see Alfie and the half-backs, Charlie Atkinson and Will Porter, doing so well tonight as they are youngsters playing in key positions.
"Alfie was always able to be the boss in junior rugby, but he is now proving he is a good talent. He says he wants to play centre and I'm not sure whether he's joking or not."
Back to the Prem next - Sunday Dec 27th at Sale.Kick off 3.00
steve from cov .
When the internationals and injured are back we are going to be a big threat.
We're likely to be without Launchbury, Rowlands, Willis J, Robson and Minozzi for the whole of the 6N campaign. Injuries are are always going to be a factor, and the key to success is to have a good enough squad even without the stars.
On this evidence, we certainly have that, and we can be a big threat to anyone. Is there another club in the Prem who has the quality and depth that we have in the back row, or at 9/10?
My only concern is Jimmy, great servant that he has been, it looks like anno domini is catching up with him. I can see him being a bench option for the last 15 minutes quite soon.
steve from cov Fabulous performance by the team.
It was encouraging to see the young guns showing us the way home and repay the confidence Lee had in them.
I really didn’t expect us to beat a team with so much experience and quality so to do so was fantastic.
When the internationals and injured are back we are going to be a big threat.
Very much agree with the fantastic display by the young lads whether Porter, Barbeary, Atkinson, West and Odogwu. The half backs were full of confidence which is great to see and a testament to the depth and quality the squad has coming through.
The forwards also did very well against the big Montpellier pack.
Bassett was the stand out ‘oldie’ for me.
Barring any new injuries and that Covid remains at bay, when you consider the returning internationals and the return of Shields, Mills, Watson, Vailanu, Simonds and possibly Miller from injury, this should set us up quite nicely for the Dragons & Montpellier fixtures.
Our current crop of youngsters I believe could prove to me better than the last great group.
Willis and Bearberry would be at the top of every other team in Europe's shopping list and I really believe that Odogwu is only just behind those two
To have three players of that level at their age is amazing.
I don't even mind the odd blip if we continue to try and play the way we do. Give me that style over the grind of Exeter everyday of the week even if the trophy cabinet won't be as full playing that way.
Today’s HC games certainly threw some topsy turvy games and results (and that’s without mentioning the Covid cancellation saga):
- Although Leinster were always firm favourites, Saints were looking quite strong in the first half but seemed to lose intensity in the last 40. Leinster scrape the lead of the pool with a 2 PD advantage over Wasps.
- Glaws vs Ulster was a good game to watch. Plenty of penalty tries, yellow cards and twists. Glaws snatched the win at the death (84th minute). Ulster will rue this loss.
- How Clermont lost this game is mind boggling - they secured the TBP within 25 minutes. Credit to Munster for their perseverance and self belief and securing the unlikeliest of wins.
- Sale will again be kicking themselves after storming into a 12-0 lead early on. Their indiscipline killed them for the third consecutive game (I think they conceded 12 or 13 penalties). Edinburgh really did suffocate Sale in the second half and deserved the most slender of wins. Will be interesting to see which Sale turns up next weekend for Wasps - the first Premiership game without Diamond.
- Suffering from a long injury list and Covid-absentees, a second string Dragons team were slayed by Bordeaux.
12. He wants to play centre..
He makes the Telegraph team of the weekend and has the moment of the week, for his offload to set up Paulo.... gets a picture too!
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