Rosslyn Park coach Andy Holloway has slammed his side’s “awful start” after their first home game of the National League One season ended in defeat.
A Josh Ovens’ try and 14 points off Scott Sneddon’s boot were not enough to avoid a 19-22 reverse against Cambridge at the Rock.
The damage was done in an error strewn opening 10 minutes when Park gifted the visitors a 12-0 lead.
Park fought back to lead 19-12 with seven minutes remaining, only to concede a late try and drop goal to concede the points.
Holloway said: “At this level, gifting a team a 12-point start is unforgivable.
“We gifted Cambridge field position in the first 15 minutes and at 12-0 down, we've put ourselves in trouble.
“It's all well and good then applying the plan, playing in their half and getting on top of them, but it's too late.”
He added: “In those conditions, league rugby is about getting out of your third, taking your points and the chances that come your way and we did neither.
“The fact it was a seven-point difference with seven minutes to go was down to our awful start to the game.
“Unfortunately we also did not execute the very basics to close the game out and that resulted in us giving Cambridge the chance to win it.
“They did exactly that and they deserved it."
Rosslyn Park, 14th in the 16-team table, go to 11th placed Plymouth Albion this weekend.
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