Pellow: We’ve just got stronger

EXETER skills coach Ricky Pellow declared himself “really pleased” after his predominently young side showed just what benefits fringe players can earn from a sometimes-derided competition.

“These guys will take a lot from that game,” said Pellow. “In this three-game block we’ve got stronger from game to game and the group have developed and improved week to week. It was an outstanding win.”

Lock Mitch Lees, back from shoulder surgery, was withdrawn after 30 minutes of his first appearance since last season’s Premiership final but Pellow insisted it was all planned. “We just wanted to make sure he got through a set amount of game time,” he said.

A 20th-minute injury to James Freeman meant England U18 forward Richard Capstick played more than expected with Pellow saying: “He was outstanding in and around the defence and lineouts.”

The coach was also impressed with prop tyros Keast and Street, added: “They are young guys but are actually internationals with England U20s and then James Kenny and Alfie Petch, at 18 and 19, came on so there’s real strength in depth in that position.”

Paul Gustard, Quins’ head of rugby, said: “Disappointing. We controlled large parts of that game but made a lot of mistakes and our attack didn’t cause them enough problems.

“We just need to focus on our accuracy.”