Wilson targets Bristol scalp (From Richmond and Twickenham Times)

Wilson targets Bristol scalp

10:54am Wednesday 17th February 2010 in

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Danny Wilson admits London Welsh will be looking to lay down a marker when they host Championship table-toppers Bristol this weekend.

The third-placed Dragons will enter the clash with the title favourites in the midst of a six-game unbeaten run, including last weekend’s 26-13 defeat of Bedford in the British & Irish Cup.

And with the promotion play-offs just a month away, Wilson is eager to use the weekend tussle as a reference point.

He said: “We need to prove to ourselves that we can beat Bristol as we may obviously end in the same play-off pool as them.

“Naturally we would prefer to finish third in the table as that will give us a better draw, but I do not think it will make an enormous difference.

“Our priority now is to manage the players for the play-offs, so Bristol will be a chance to give players some game time and build momentum.”

Despite the cup taking a back seat, Saturday’s win sees the Exiles remain top of Pool C and maintained their unbeaten start to the competition.

Paul Sampson (two), Errie Claassens and Tom Brown grabbed the Welsh tries as they put Bedford to the sword.

And Wilson reckons the victory highlighted the strength in depth being generated at Old Deer Park.

He added: “We put out a strong team in that game as it is all part of making progress.

“Of course we are desperate for a home win over Bristol and if you come off the back of a game in which you lose or do not perform you are not giving yourself the best chance.

“We wanted to play a reasonably strong line-up and some players put their hands up.

“The players are fresh and we will go into this final stretch in a really good position.”

London Welsh’s next three matches: Feb 20 Bristol (h), 26 Ulster (BC, a), Mar 6 Llanelli (BC, h)