PETERSFIELD Rugby Club head coach James Alder was keen to point out the positives after Saturday’s 43-10 defeat against league leaders Old Emanuel.

Alder said: “The scrum held firm all game, even with Old Emanuel rotating the front row we never took a backward step.

“Our distribution was once again exceptional, with scrum half Michael Robbins directing the team around the park.

“I remain convinced that the difference in class between us – in our first season at this level – and the top five is not insurmountable and, with time, we will close that gap.

“We have not used our availability issues as an excuse and, even with a different line-up each week, the players all work hard to be competitive. It is credit to the senior section that we are still in the league fight.

“Long term, it is great to be able to introduce this level of rugby to some of the so-called fringe players but our short term goal must be to start collecting more points for all their hard work.”