GLOUCESTERSHIRE Under-20s head coach Mike Panoho gave a huge sigh of relief following his side's 13-11 victory over Devon at Lydney RFC.

The visitors gave the reigning county champions an almighty scare, but Panaho believes his team is unlikely to come up against a better side in their quest to retain their national crown.

He said: "That was a close one. My heart was pounding at the end and I've certainly got a few more grey hairs after that game.

"We didn't get off to the best of starts and Devon came flying out of the blocks at us.

"They were very big and physical, and put us under a lot of pressure in the first half. We managed to get ourselves together in the second half, but we know we can play a lot better.

"This was a reality check for us. We told the lads after the match that they can't live on Gloucestershire's past reputation – this is a different team from the one that lifted the trophy last season, and this group has quickly got to realise that they need to do more than just turn up to get results.

"We're the reigning champions and quality teams like Devon will always raise their game when they are playing against us, so we need to be on our mettle from the off.

"That said, I couldn't fault the effort of the guys in the last quarter when we were really under the cosh – the lads defended superbly."

Gloucestershire found themselves trailing 8-0 after the visitors made a whirlwind start. But a try by Bristol prop Ricky Cano and a Jack O'Connell penalty brought them back on level terms.

The home side, who featured Bristolian's Mitch Spencer, Pierre Tucker, Taylor Stevens, Harry Hone, Mike Uren and Sam Evans, began to find their feet in the second period, but went behind 11-8 after Devon slotted a penalty.

Gloucestershire pressed, and were rewarded when Jack Hayes crossed for a try to edge Panoho's men back in front.

Devon then repeatedly turned down goal-kicking opportunities as they went in search of the match-clinching try.