ROUND UP

PAT LAM claimed Bristol were “serious contenders” after they enjoyed an eight-try romp in a 52-21 demolition of Scarlets in the Champions Cup.

Ratu Naulago crossed twice for the Bears, who turned on the style in the second period, having led by just a solitary point at the break.

And director of rugby Lam insisted: ‘I was very pleased with the final 20 minutes when the guys started to show what we can do as a team and scoring some great tries. We now have a long break before the next European phase but it is fair to say we are serious contenders.’

In the Challenge Cup, Gloucester ran in 10 tries as they demolished Perpignan 68-19 while Worcester kept alive their hopes of making the knockout stage with a hard-earned 36-26 win at Zebre.

Northampton’s Champions Cup tie at Racing 92 today has been cancelled because of several positive Covid-19 tests in the Saints camp. Racing are awarded a 28-0 win.

Northampton have only two points in this season’s Cup and needed a win in France to have any chance of progressing.