MAIDENHEAD coach Brenton Fielke got his first look at his team in action on Wednesday during their defeat at the hands of the Royal Gloucester, Berkshire and Wiltshire regiment.
In a game made up of four quarters, Maids conceded six tries to the current Army Cup champions, but were unable to cross the tryline themselves.
However Fielke was pleased with certain aspects of the game and also had a few preconceptions confirmed by the display.
He said “It was our first game and we were a bit rusty, of course.
“However it was a chance to try new patterns of play and certainly early on we did well. We created opportunities but did not finish them off.
“I thought they scored their first two tries against the run of play, and only ground us down late on.”
However he did see number of facets of the game to work on.
He commented: “Under pressure we started to revert to old habits.
“We were too reactive not proactive. But overall it was a useful exercise.”
He added: “We just need to work on our patterns of play now and make sure everyone understands all the calling.
“We also need to work on our execution. Nisbet, Greer and Mackay did well in the backs, and our scrum looked good at times.
“But we must realise when chances come along we need to take them.”
The club are trying to organise another friendly before the first league game of the season at home to Wimborne on Saturday, September 6.