Andy Robinson's Bristol yesterday powered to a 62-7 triumph over Gala in the British and Irish Cup.

The former Scotland head coach watched his new-look side rattle up 11 tries in the one-sided contest, writes David Kelso.

Gala's efforts were hindered by having to play with 14 men for 20 minutes, after yellow cards for Craig Borthwick and Mike Robertson.

Calum Braley led the spree with a hat-trick, the other scores being claimed by Iain Grieve 2, Lucas Slowik, Ollie Hayes, Andy Short, Redford Pennycook and Ellis George. Ben Toolis scored a consolation try for Gala, goaled by David O'Hagen.

Edinburgh Accies also suffered a heavy defeat, crashing 73-10 to London Welsh at Old Deer Park. The visitors were no match for the fully professional home brigade, who are aiming for a return to the English Premiership.

Welsh created 10 tries - nine of which were converted by ex-Test man Nicky Robinson, who also landed a penalty. Jamie Farndale went over for Accies just before half-time.

The power and class of the pros were underlined again at Bridgehaugh, where Nottingham strolled to an easy 50-7 win over Stirling County. They ran in seven tries, though at no stage did the plucky home side throw in the towel. Their only touchdown was claimed by Alex Moffat midway through the first half, with Stuart Edwards landing the conversion.

n Andy Skeen emerged as the destroyer-in-chief as Melrose hammered Jed-Forest 66-14 in the Borders section of the Scottish Cup. The utility back claimed four tries and produced an all-round excellent display at the Greenyards.

Selkirk edged out Peebles on home turf in a contest that was as tight and tense as the 11-10 scoreline suggests.

In the West, Glasgow Hawks cruised to a 43-3 success in the cross-river tussle with Cartha QP at Dumbreck.

Boroughmuir powered past Musselburgh 45-17, with Heriot's surging to a 31-0 win against Murrayfield Wanderers at Goldenacre.

Falkirk's bid to pull off a home giant-killing act in the Caledonia tournament were dashed by Aberdeen GRwho won 45-14.

Uddingston remain unbeaten in all competitive matches this season as the West Division 3 leaders defeated Arran 38-14 in the final of the RBS West Regional Bowl, thus securing the first silverware of the domestic season.