GLOUCESTER secured the first win of their European Challenge Cup group campaign with a 61-16 victory over Agen at Kingsholm.

Agen, who are struggling near the foot of the Top 14, had overwhelmed Zebre 45-10 in their Pool Three opener a week earlier, but they fielded a young and weakened team against the Cherry and Whites and were duly put to the sword.

Jet-heeled scrum-half Ben Vellacott was named man of the match in his first start for the club, in part for running in two of Gloucester's nine tries and also for the service he gave fly-half Billy Burns.

Dursley's Ben Morgan, at number eight, flanker Jake Polledri, captain and lock Tom Savage, centres Owen Williams and Henry Trinder, wing Henry Purdy and replacement hooker Richard Hibbard all scored a try each. Williams also kicked two conversions.

Rainy conditions failed to dent the home ambition and with the pack dominating up-front, they enjoyed a glut of possession that was put to good use by crossing four times before the interval and five after.

Gloucester lost 27-21 to Pau in their European opener seven days ago but now have six points in their pursuit of the quarter-finals.