By Tom Curran

AFTER twice leading England to Junior World Championship glory, Gloucester Rugby backs coach Nick Walshe knows the look of a promising young side – and that is exactly what he saw at the Kassam Stadium on Sunday.

Aled Thomas' six penalties were enough for a fresh-faced Gloucester team to edge their LV= Cup encounter 18-9 and condemn London Welsh to a tenth straight defeat in all competitions.

Nothing separated the sides at half-time with three kicks apiece from fly-halves Will Robinson and Thomas, but the latter's second-half penalties were enough to seal the victory.

And after the Cherry & Whites – with an average age of just 23 – successfully weathered an Exiles storm after the break, Walshe was filled with pride at their efforts.

"Welsh put out quite an experienced side, and I'm delighted because we had four guys out there making their first-team debuts today,” he said.

"There were a lot of academy boys, especially in the pack, and I thought they fronted up brilliantly.

"Our defence was absolutely magnificent in the last ten minutes, and generally it was just a fantastic attitude from the lads.

"Some of them were cramping in the last 20, especially some of the younger boys who haven't played at this level before.

"But to force them off our line and keep forcing them back then turn them over was outstanding.

"Aled Thomas was fantastic today, he kicked all the goals he should have done.

"He controlled things well and it's the first time he's captained the club which is not easy. He led the guys well and had a very, very good game himself."

However, London Welsh assistant coach Gordon Ross was left to dwell on missed opportunities as the Exiles carry on their search for a first win of the season.

"I think it was a game we could, maybe should, have won," he said.

"We had some good possession and good territory at times but unfortunately we couldn't cross the white line and we coughed up possession a little bit too easily.

"As a squad we're a little bit disappointed we didn't get more out of the game.

"There are obviously some positives there, our defensive shape was pretty good as they didn't really look like scoring too often.

"But on the flip-side our attack maybe wasn't as good as it could have been. It's not the level it needs to be so we weren't as threatening as we have been.

"It's not often we've said it this season but that was one that got away.

"A lot of times we've struggled but it was there for the taking today and we just didn't quite have that level of execution at crucial moments."

Be part of the rugby family at the LV= Cup Final at Franklin's Gardens, Northampton on Sunday 22 March. Visit www.northamptonsaints.co.uk for tickets