RUGBY UNION: Jones hails Welsh’s attitude and effort (From The Oxford Times)

RUGBY UNION: Jones hails Welsh’s attitude and effort

10:30am Saturday 29th September 2012 in Sport By Ed Mezzetti, Sports reporter specialising in Rugby, Cricket and Athletics. Call me on 01865 425456

LONDON Welsh head coach Lyn Jones praised his players’ commitment as he looked ahead to tomorrow’s visit of Gloucester.

The Exiles had been most people’s relegation favourites before the season started, but two wins in their last two matches has given Jones’s men hope of a Premiership treble.

“It is not going to be easy, but we are trying,” he said.

“The attitude of the players is what has impressed me so far.

“People want to see effort and players getting stuck in and that is what we are doing.”

A bonus point, however, would not be a disaster tomorrow and Welsh need to pick up what they can where they can.

“Gloucester are a different challenge,” added Jones.

“They are very quick and expansive. It is going to be tough.

“We mustn’t get carried away. If we can get something out of this game, then that would be great.

“As long as we can keep improving, that’s the key.”

Welsh pipped Exeter 25-24 in a grandstand finish in their last match at the Kassam Stadium and kicked on from there.

“At Sale, we put a really good performance in,” said Jones.

“There is better to come as long as we can keep focused.

“Confidence in the team has grown. We are growing and starting to believe.”

And Jones hopes such displays will swell their home crowds.

“We play a lot of good rugby here,” he said.

“Sunday should be a great match.”