DIRECTOR of Rugby Seb Reynolds felt there was plenty to be positive about following the 24-24 National One draw at Dings Crusaders.
But he also admitted a disappointment his side could not seal the win.
A Pete Austin try put the visitors in front before opposing hooker Sam Cantwell replied.
Zach Clow’s 50th Rams’ score was added to by Ross McKay, but Will Thompson and Louie Sinclair equalised.
The latter then crossed the whitewash for 17-12 at the break.
Yet Austin’s second was swiftly followed by a converted try from skipper Willo Bicknell, Rams seven points up midway through the third quarter.
The penalty count turned against the visitors, however, and their defence was eventually breached by Josh Lloyd.
Sinclair converted to level things with nine minutes remaining.
But Shay Sainsbury thought he had put Rams back in front only for his try to be disallowed for a double movement late on.
And despite late goal-line pressure, Dings held their nerve to boot the ball out for a share of the spoils.
Reynolds said: “I thought it was a very good contest and there was a lot of progression from the Sale game.
“Dings looked very dangerous against (Bishop’s) Stortford last week, they were free-flowing and some of their outside backs were outstanding in the wide channels.
“So we knew we had a massive task to deal with that, but we did it well.
“We wanted to create a platform from the scrum, but there were some decisions which meant neither side could truly get any purchase.
“I felt sorry for the props because I don’t think they really knew what they were meant to do.
“We’ll take the draw, but we’re a bit disappointed. We want to win rugby matches.”
He continued: “In the second half we lost our discipline in the middle of the park, and if you lose control of that it doesn’t matter how well you defend, you’re going to come under pressure in your own 22.
“It’s an area we have to address, and we need to be better.
“The guys need to be confident and assured in the decisions they’re making at the breakdown, and it’s a fine line.
“We know we’re going to get a few wrong early on in the season, but we’ll get there.”
While frustrated at not finishing the job, the head coach highlighted several positives including his side’s resilience and the performance of debutant scrum-half Matt Wickham.
He said: “Matt was great. He’s not had all the game time he might have wanted in pre-season, but to come in and do 80 minutes on an artificial is a fine effort.
“We had to manage a lot of injuries in the game. We lost a tight-head (Sam Stirling) early, back three players but I thought the guys did a great job. They’re coming together.”
Clow, fellow wing Henry Kirwan, flanker Aaron Tull and prop JJ Wozniak were also forced off, adding to an already lengthy injury list.
But Reynolds was phlegmatic, stating: “If guys aren’t fit for next week, then others will get opportunities.
“It’s the way it goes, and every disappointment is a chance to create a positive.
“Max Hayman’s knock means Pete has grown into the side and he got a brilliant turnover along with his tries.
“We had to possibly rush (seasonal debutants) Max Marshall back on the bench, but I thought he was outstanding, and Liam (Saayman) is a real physical specimen.
“He’s getting to know everyone, but he’ll get better and better.
“Elsewhere, the centres have been fantastic the first couple of games.
“Ellis (Jones) has arguably been reborn at 12, he looks excellent.
“And Matt (Blee) has added solidity and consistency to the midfield.”
With half the pre-match lunch spaces taken by Rams fans and blur shirts all around the ground, the DoR was grateful for the incredible backing his side continues to get at the end of the game.
He closed: “The travelling support was amazing, as is what we get at home.
“We’ve had a high turnover of players and there was some frustration last week, but we want everyone to stay patient and come on the journey with this new team.
“Hopefully it will end with lots of positive results.”
Rams host Bishop’s Stortford on Saturday (3pm).
