McAvoy positive as Newbury Blues lose tight season opener at Chichester
Newbury Blues suffered defeat in their season opener on Saturday, as they travelled to Chichester.
Blues made a promising start, with Dan Thorne kicking a penalty after just six minutes.
He’d also score a conversion in the 21st, after Harry Waye-Branch had gone over to score Blues’ first try of the season.
Tries from Miles Albert and Alec McCormack, as well as a penalty try helped Blues along, but Chichester would match them blow for blow.
Newbury just couldn't hold on in the final minutes, as the hosts took a 31-27 lead late on to win the match.
Despite the result, Blues took away two points as a reward for a display of positive, attacking rugby, with Ben Hicks starring in a man of the match performance.
Head Coach James McAvoy was pleased with the performance, keen to address some smaller issues before their clash with Wimborne on Saturday.
“To come away with maximum losing points, it means there’s something to be shown for the way we played,” he said.
“Pre-season was great, but the boys on the pitch for the first game weren’t necessarily the side which played together, especially as a 15.
“Now we’ve got those cobwebs out, in terms of where we are I’m actually really pleased.
This week will see a focus on smaller issues, with McAvoy happy with the direction of his side overall.
“We have micro and macro goals. This week we definitely have some micro goals that we want to do.
“Then you have some things which are always going to be present in our season, shape, defensive folding.
“I’m a big believer in playing to your strengths, as much as you want to build your weaknesses up at the same time.
“I don’t think you want to go away from the things that make you really good and the individuals that do that.
“So this week we'll have a little bit of a mixture, but we'll focus on some things that we've done really well and continue to make those super strengths.
“So we’ll have a nice combination this week. I’m excited to sort out the smaller issues.”
Blues are back in action this Saturday at 3pm, their first home game of the season as they host Wimborne.
