Bristol are winning ugly at the moment – but as long as they keep winning and learn from each game, they will continue to make progress.

Maybe they got away with it against Bedford, but that 6-5 win will have given the boys a big psychological edge for later in the season.

They came away from Bedford with the four points they wanted – and, let's be honest, who would not have taken a one-point win before the game?

It's good to see David Blaney playing so well at hooker. I saw him over the weekend and he told me he was outstanding at Bedford and that he is filling my boots well, so that's good to hear!

This weekend's game against Exeter is possibly a bigger test again, because Exeter are the main threat to Bristol's hopes of promotion.

They are the only other side in the Championship who currently meet the Guinness Premiership entry criteria – and they are used to competing at the top of this division.

I am expecting fireworks on Sunday. Bristol may not be playing as well as they can, but they have momentum – and if they could put together two halves like the first 40 minutes against Rotherham, they will beat Exeter.

Victory on Sunday will not guarantee promotion, but it will give Bristol a massive edge, knowing they have seen off two of their biggest rivals in successive games.

Winning on Sunday would tell the rest of the Championship that Bristol are the best side outside the Premiership and are building nicely towards getting back there.

I know it's still very early in the season, but it's all about putting down a marker. Paul Hull has said that Bristol don't want to peak too early, but they do want to be proud of their performances – and Sunday's game is a big, big hurdle.

I fully expect Bristol to win, which would make it five wins from five, and a fantastic start to the new season.