Salter out for 'a few weeks'

Bristol's Matt Salter faces a spell on the sidelines after dislocating his shoulder.

Bristol will have to make do without the services of captain Matt Salter for the next few weeks after it was confirmed the inspirational backrow dislocated his shoulder on Sunday.

Salter, a key figure behind Bristol's table-topping form this season, lasted just 25 minutes of the 33-20 victory over Harelquins before being replaced by Geraint Lewis.

The 29-year-old will now be out until at least November, meaning he will miss the start of his side's European Challenge Cup campaign.

Coach Richard Hill said: "Thankfully it appears that Matt hasn't suffered any break but he will be out for a few weeks."

Hill's side had been heavily tipped for the drop this season. However, after an unbeaten start, the critics have been forced to reassess their predictions - with the match against Quins seeing them tagged as favourites to win.

And, with that extra pressure on his charges, Hill was delighted they came through the tough test.

He said: "We played well for most of the game and looked well organised and in control. We are looking better and better at the moment.

"The main thing with this game was the psychological test where for the first time this season we were favourites though Gloucester were at the top of the table.

"I would have been grateful to come away with a straight win against Quins as it would have meant that we had come through the test.

"But to come away with a bonus point from our five tries so I am very pleased although we took the gloss off it in the last 20 minutes."