Head coach Richard Hill was pleased the Bristol "grit'' had returned after his side secured their first Guinness Premiership victory of the season at the expense of London Irish.
Bristol, who finished third last season, struggled in their opening two games against Leicester and Sale Sharks but finally found their passion to win 14-11 at the Memorial Stadium.
Hill said: "I thought that the first quarter saw some very good rugby played, we scored a lovely try off the line-out.
"We looked good out wide and did a bit of damage up through the middle while finding plenty of space on the outside as well.
"I think if wing David Lemi had squeezed in the corner that would have put us considerably in front but he put a foot in touch. After that I think we got some Bristol grit back, which had been missing before this game.
"The lads had been training hard but have been unable to transfer that to the weekend. But we found that today, that bit of real grit, that will to win.''
The Bristol boss was especially pleased with the home debut performance of right wing Tom Arscott, a summer capture from Plymouth Albion.
Arscott's signing, together with that of fly-half Ed Barnes, led to Bristol being fined £25,000 by the Rugby Football Union for an illegal approach.
Hill added: "Tom was a real talent at Plymouth. He does what he wants, he's an instinctive player.
"He's not a big weights trainer but he's a naturally powerful lad so we are letting him express himself.
"I though today not only did he take his try well and look good in attack but he did a lot of good defensive work.
"He has a very good all-round game which is remarkable for a young lad who has not played at this level before. He is a good find.''
Hill had drafted Samoa international David Lemi in to the starting line-up just 72 hours after returning from the World Cup as Luke Arscott had twisted his knee in the training run.
Hill acknowledged that Lemi was a little tired but expected him to be at his best for Saturday's visit to Harlequins when fellow countryman Alfie To'oala will also be available.
London Irish went in to the break trailing 11-6 and when they got to the dressing room they received some stern words from the coaching staff.
"I asked a few questions at half-time about why we were in this position and doing what we were. There was a stark reality check at half-time,'' said Exiles forwards coach Toby Wilson.
"So I would have been very disappointed if there hadn't been a reaction when we retook the field. But you have to give Bristol some credit. They were very desperate for a win and desperate men do desperate things.
"Bristol were very committed, as we knew they would be when coached by Richard Hill. We knew we would face a massive competition.
"I was very disappointed with our first 30 minutes play to be honest and Bristol showed more desire.''