SEB Reynolds admitted Rams completely lost control of the game as they lost 52-29 at Aberavon in their final pre-season friendly.
The visitors made a terrific start at the Talbot Athletic Ground, racing into a 24-0 lead thanks to a Connor Burns double and tries from Harry Bicknell and Axel Kalling-Smith.
Ross McKay added two conversions, but two quick-fire Aberavon scores halved the deficit shortly before the interval.
And The Wizards then galloped into the distance, at one stage scoring 45 unanswered points before Oli Sedgwick grabbed a try back for the Berkshire boys.
But it was Aberavon who had the final word as a converted effort took them past their half century.
Reflecting on an afternoon where Rams took 30 players across the River Severn, Reynolds said: “It was a good pre-season fixture against decent opposition, both teams were really going at it.
“In the first half we were bang on top, but then we came under a bit of pressure and lost our discipline.
“We gifted them two scrappy tries before half time and then made lots of changes to ensure people got good game time.
“But then we completely lost control and they kicked on. The second half hurts and as a team we need to sort that out.”
Despite defeat the opening 35 minutes was highly positive, with two-try Burns and Army debutant centre Matt Blee both impressing.
They combined well for the former’s second try.
And the DoR commented: “Connor’s a very versatile player. He’s a big physical lad who did well at 15 last week and then on the wing against Aberavon.
“He’s very good under the high ball and works really hard.
“Matt was very soild and rode the tackle well to set-up Connor’s second. I enjoyed his physicality.”
Rams have a weekend off before hosting Sale in their National One opener on Saturday, September 5 (3pm).
By Richard Ashton
