Glenn Delaney was furious with his side's first-half display at Meadow Lane

Nottingham director of rugby Glenn Delaney was far from happy despite his side recording a five-try, 43-24 bonus-point win over Bristol at Meadow Lane.

Sunday's victory takes the Green & Whites level on points with second-placed London Welsh in Pool A of the Championship play-offs.

But Delaney told BBC Radio Nottingham: "Our performance was poor.

"The first half was some of the worst rugby we have played all year. We were lacking in ideas and creating nothing."

Nottingham lost to London Welsh in the opening play-off match last week.

Despite the below-par performance in the opening half against Bristol, the Green & Whites found themselves 14-10 ahead at the break.

We weren't pleased at half-time. There are a few words which I can't disclose, but we spoke fairly sternly and at quite long length Glenn Delaney

Bristol took the lead after five minutes when a failed Nottingham attack allowed fly-half Mark Davies to kick through for Jack Adams to score.

The visitors failed to extend their five-point lead despite extensive pressure and, when captain Royston Winters was sin-binned for killing the ball, Nottingham edged in front through a Tim Streather try, converted by James Arlidge.

Jack Tovey replied instantly, beating Andy Savage for pace to pounce on the loose ball, but the conversion was again missed.

And, just before the half-time whistle, Tim Usasz cleverly picked the ball up at the breakdown and charged over, with Arlidge again converting to put the hosts back in front.

"We weren't pleased at half-time," Delaney said. "We had a big discussion about it and came up with some better plans.

"There are a few words which I can't disclose, but we spoke fairly sternly and at quite long length about what we weren't doing well."

The harsh words certainly worked as Nottingham scored 29 points in the second period.

A great run and try from Jack Cobden started the rout, in which long-serving David Jackson also scored and a Cesar Sempere interception try finished off proceedings.

The ever-reliable Arlidge added 18 points through three conversions, three penalties and a drop goal.

Bristol scored tries through a Davies interception and former Nottingham player Dan Montague, but the Green & Whites' pack proved too strong.

"Our forward pack got us through," Delaney said.

"They were absolutely dominant. We saw at the line-out and scrum we were very dominant, the tight five were the best players on the park for us."

Delaney strongly believes his side can secure second-place outright over the next four games and go through to the semi-finals.

But they face a tough task when league winners Worcester Warriors come to Meadow Lane on Friday night.

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