Darren Waters can finally lay claim to having scored a hat-trick for London Welsh – nearly four months after missing out on one.

The flanker crossed twice in the Exiles’ pre-season friendly at Coventry on August 22, and but for a slightly over eager referee’s whistle it would have been a hat-trick – with Water’s driving over just a split second after the exiles were awarded a penalty try.

There were no such concerns on Saturday at Old Deer Park, however, as the flanker enjoyed an armchair ride behind his pack to claim three of six Welsh tries in a 42-17 British & Irish Cup win over Nottingham.

“I’ve finally got the hat-trick I was searching for,” said Waters.

“It was a great forward effort and I just cashed in on the boys doing their job at the front of the lineout.

“Full credit to the pack, but I’ll take the three tries.

“I think we’ve been bullied up front the last few weeks, and that’s not us as a pack.

“We all fronted up really well today as an eight and took the game to Nottingham, and the backs were then able to express themselves.”

The exiles make the return cup trip to Nottingham on Sunday.