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London Irish head coach Toby Booth highlighted a new-found mentality among his players after they inflicted a 56-7 defeat on Leeds Carnegie at Headingley.

The Exiles were beaten by Leicester in last season's Premiership final but hopes are high at the Madejski Stadium that Booth's men can go one better this time around.

They certainly had far too much quality for Leeds as wing Adam Thompstone, 22, claimed three of his side's five second-half tries to leave Booth purring.

"There's a mentality shift with the players because we have been learning lessons as we go, but there comes a point when you have to start doing things," said Booth (pictured).

"This group want to kick on and that's why you saw that sort of performance."

He added: "The Premiership is a very, very difficult competition.

"There are some sides who are very well coached and very well financed, and it's a tough ask to win it.

"But we are in a position where we want to kick on and achieve things, and all the time we are continually improving.

"If we can continue to maintain that improvement each week then I don't see why we can't be in a good position come next May."

PA Sport