Bristol move up to fourth in the Premiership with an emphatic 13-try 85-14 thrashing of winless Newcastle.
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The Bears, for whom Benhard Janse van Rensburg and Virimi Vakatawa scored twice, were in sight of 50 points after scoring seven tries in the first half.
Confidence oozed through Bristol who added six more after the break with, Adam Radwan and Brett Connon replying.
The win means Bristol move above Harlequins into the top four by one point, with three games remaining.
Newcastle, who remain winless in the Premiership this season, came under fire from their gutted boss Steve Diamond.
“I thought we had taken a couple of steps forward over the last month, but that was certainly a step back. It gives us a line in the sand,” Falcons’ consultant director of rugby said.
“We never touched the ball for the first 15 minutes and they were 21 points up. We didn’t get off the bus at all. It was not a positive vibe.
“All we can do is take them back home and get them ready for Sale next week.
“I said when I came back in that we would have three or four games and I would be making decisions, and that is what we will do.
“It’s a tough world out there and we are obviously not up to it in certain areas, which was evident today.
“It is 15 (Premiership) games without a win so it is very difficult to have any positivity in the building when you keep losing every week.
“We have been close in the last couple of weeks and today it looked like a completely different team. Bristol were outstanding today – they would probably have put 25-30 points on anybody in the league – and it is a tough learning day.”
NIGEL OWENS SIX NATIONS DREAM XV:
Fullback: Israel Folau (Australia), replaced by Leigh Halfpenny (Wales)
Owens said: “For me, it’s nip and tuck between Halfpenny and Folau, next to nothing to choose between them. Leigh is brilliant because under the high ball and with his kicking at goal under pressure. He may not always break the line when running but puts his body on the line in defence and is a top-notch match-winner.”
Winger: Stuart Hogg (Scotland)
Owens said: “How can you fail to be impressed when watching Hogg play. He’s so exciting as he burst into that line and, of course, was named Six Nations player of the tournament.
“I know he’s a full-back for Scotland, but he is so quick and direct he could easily play on the wing. He reminds me a bit of Shane Williams with some of the things he does.
“When you see who is on the other wing in my team, you’ll see how they would work brilliantly in tandem.”
Outside-centre: Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland)
Owens said: “Not only is he one of the greatest centres in the history of rugby union but he’s a fantastic man off the field as well. O’Driscoll has been a wonderful ambassador for the sport and a real leader. He always respected referees and set the right example for others to follow.
“A legend of the game who conducted himself superbly, on and off the pitch.”
Inside-centre: Ma’a Nonu (New Zealand), replaced by Owen Farrell (England)
Owens praised Farrell as a player on numerous occasions.
On one occasion he wrote: “I can only speak from my own experience of refereeing him and, when I did, he was an excellent captain to deal with.
“I have a huge amount of respect for him as a player and a person. He always knew where the line was with me.
“I would say to him that he could always come and talk to me as long as it was at the right time and in the right tone and he always did that.”
Winger: Shane Williams (Wales)
Owens said: “When people ask me who is the best player I have refereed it’s pretty much an impossible task to pick one because I’ve been lucky enough to take charge of so many greats.
“But if I’m pushed, I would pick Shane for what he achieved after coming from football at 17 or 18 years of age.
“He was in the mould of Gerald Davies in how he left defenders gasping for air as he beat them with those dazzling sidesteps. Nobody would fancy defending against a back three of Shane, Hogg and Folau, I can tell you that.”