Date: Thu 11 Oct 2012

Having ended Northampton Saints' streak at the weekend, London Irish winger Topsy Ojo hopes the momentum generated can bring further success when the Aviva Premiership returns.

Disappointed with just a solitary win over Bath to celebrate, the 27-year-old was delighted with a bonus-point 39-17 victory over previously undefeated Northampton.

And he is hopeful the smiles can stay on Exiles' faces when domestic duties return after a break for some European action.

"It was great to get the win - it was well needed," said Ojo. "After the way things have started we knew these were the sort of performances we had in us but we were frustrated getting it out.

"We didn't play well at the start of the season so to respond with a bonus point win against Northampton Saints was really good.

"Training has been better this week and we are all feeling good. I hope it was the turning point. We never really put everything together for a full 80 minutes and being a new squad we wanted everyone to gel quickly.

"We knew we were close but it was very frustrating so to put everything together was really relieving. There was still a lot of confidence. We knew we weren't far off a win but we weren't performing. We hadn't won any games but inside the belief and confidence was there.

"We would have liked to have picked up more points but off the back of this win it is a good boost to have and we can hopefully kick on."

With a weight lifted off their shoulders Brian Smith's men now look to get the ball rolling in the Amlin Challenge Cup away to French side Bordeaux Begles.

And although things haven't gone their way to date, Ojo believes a successful European start will hold Irish in good stead when they face Harlequins in two weeks time.

"It is hard sometimes. We can do all the practice in the world and there is something we can't control on match day," he added.

"The weather can turn and the referee can penalise you and there are many things to deal with so when you do have the opportunities in the game you need to take them.

"It would be nice to kick on in the Premiership but the Challenge Cup provides us with an opportunity to progress as a team and we can build momentum."