‘A massive result for us’ - Lam

Harry Thacker’s last-gasp try snatched a dramatic win five minutes from time, after tries from Callum Sheedy and Dan Thomas kept Bristol within striking distance.

And the head coach hailed the growth of his side during an all-action season in the top-flight.

“Never before has Bristol won back-to-back [games] in a season against Leicester and that’s massive,” said Lam.

I’ve been here many times and not had many victories. We knew they would be massively up for it because it was a big game for them.

“For us, I said there would be no excuses – it’s about us playing as a team.

“We’re at a huge disadvantage in this competition because, out of the 12 teams, Bristol in the last ten years has had one year of Premiership rugby.

“They [the players] are growing from when they first started and they’re getting experience. It’s a huge day.

“The main disappointing thing is that our target was five points and we probably blew three or four tries.

“Now we’re at home to Sale, which is a big one, and the guys are representing what we do day in, day out. The squad effort is huge.”

Lam also praised the impact of ‘one of a kind’ match-winner, Harry Thacker.

“He [Harry Thacker] has some qualities that a lot of players don’t, and he would fit very well in Super Rugby as well. You look at the Dane Coles the Codie Taylors – he’s in that sort of bracket.

“It’s not about proving a point, it’s about doing what’s best for the team, and he’s fitted into this group.

“I honestly believe he’s a special hooker in this country and there’s not many like him.”