THERE were plenty of positives for Rugby Welsh on the opening day of the season despite losing 27-14 away at an experienced Keresley side in the Midlands 5 West (South) league.
The home side, who look set to make a promotion charge this season, have always had a powerful pack and they caused Welsh early problems in the scrum on Saturday.
However Welsh took the lead when, from their first piece of possession, James Buckland made a superb break and from a subsequent ruck Matty Richards showed good strength to score a try in the corner which was well converted by Angus Wilson.
Keresley responded well and narrowed the gap shortly afterwards with a try of their own but the Welsh backs were looking dangerous in possession especially with the return of Jack Taylor.
The visitors almost increased their lead when Jamie Roche was stopped just short of the line with a powerful run before the break.
The second half saw the Coventry-based outfit take the lead with a converted try but Welsh responded well.
The pack was reshuffled and Chris Parkinson performed well at loosehead prop while Andy Higham and Buckland made numerous defensive tackles.
Welsh re-took the lead when Adam Bond crashed over for a try which Guy Shaw converted.
But unfortunately in the final quarter Keresley regained the initiative and took control of the game.
The visitors battled hard but were undone by the Keresley forwards who created two tries with an interception try finally sealing their victory.
This Saturday Welsh travel to Aylestone Athletic for a friendly fixture.
