McAvoy frustrated with officiating, as Blues suffer three concussions against Guildford

Newbury Blues head coach James McAvoy was in a reflective mood following a narrow defeat to Guildford on Saturday.

Blues fought their way into the game, matching the hosts blow for blow thanks to tries from Fynn Smail, Kyle Doel, Harry Isaac and Ali Magee.

However, Guildford would steal a win right at the death, as they scored in the final phase of the match to end up 27-22 victors.

Newbury didn’t go unrewarded though, sealing a losing bonus point to help keep them two places off the bottom of the league.

McAvoy was pleased with how some players stepped up on the day:

“We were in a good place,” he said.

“I was pleased to have Fergus Walker as captain. He adds another element to our game at nine, and it was nice to give someone that leadership opportunity so early. He’s so calm and composed.

“Frank Southwold came up from Stags to make his Blues debut too, so well done to him.”

McAvoy was pleased with how his side competed in a physically demanding encounter:

“In the first few minutes we were a little bit soft physically.

“But our goal line defence was pretty resolute.

“Resilience is a tool that you need to use at certain times, not just a character trait.

“We dug in and stayed with them. We withstood what they could offer in the first half.

“We had pretty much all the play in the second half.”

McAvoy was disappointed with some of the more controversial moments in the second half, with Blues suffering three concussions.

“There were some high shots on Ali Magee,” he said.

“There was an incident with Harry Edwards too which was picked up with captain and player, but then kind of ignored.

“We’ve logged something with the league secretary around the safety of the game.

“None of these incidents were picked up, seen or carded.

“I think at this level the boys need to feel safe, that they are protected by the laws of the game.

“It puts our players in a difficult position.”

“We try not to be too frustrated. Two bonus points, four tries, and we’re one play away from winning that game.”