LONDON Welsh head coach Lyn Jones praised his side’s resilience after they broke their Aviva Premiership duck to defeat Exeter Chiefs.

Jones reflected on how far his players had come since their top-flight debut against Leicester Tigers on September 2, but stressed they had plenty of improving to do.

“Two weeks seems like a very long time ago, when we played Leicester up here and were found wanting,” said Jones.

“Today was a result of having tough times against Quins and Leicester.

“We have learnt so much about ourselves and we’ve worked diligently over the time to improve certain areas of our game.

“We are delighted with not just the result, but the performance was a lot better and a lot more competitive.

“We shelled 14 points in the first ten to 15 minutes, having played so well and it just didn’t feel like a fair reflection on the game.

“Exeter took some opportunities that we gave them.

“But we didn’t fold. We stuck in there, fought and came back and picked up our opportunities.

“The players showed really good character to come back and just pinch it.”

Having lost to Leicester and been heavily beaten by Harlequins, this victory came as a huge confidence boost.

“It is everything,” said Jones. “If we had had another 30-pointer today, it would have been difficult to pick it up.”

He added: “We need time to gel and to grow.

“Today was a big plus to allow us to go that next step – to be more competitive, more consisten- tly.

“There are a couple of teams in the Premiership that are just too good for us at the moment.

“It is important that we keep improving.

“Every dog has its day and today was our day. We are just going to savour the moment and use it to build and to grow.

“Today was a big tick in the box for us, but there is a long way to go.”