COACH Dan Jeffries has no doubt Trowbridge’s first win in South West One East is just around the corner after they picked up a maiden point of the campaign in a 53-37 defeat at home to title favourites Newbury Blues on Saturday.

Trowbridge were not far away from breaking that duck against Newbury, having held the lead for most of the match, only to ship three late tries at Doric Park.

Although his troops remain without a win three weeks into the new campaign, Jeffries has taken plenty of positives at how well Trowbridge have settled since last season’s promotion from Southern Counties South.

“In the big picture, I am really pleased with how well we played at the weekend,” said Jeffries.

“Newbury came into the game having scored 150 points in their previous two games and not been behind at any stage, but we were in front on Saturday for 70 minutes.

“We pushed them all the way and acquitted ourselves really well, but Newbury finished the game very strongly.

“I’m not worried about it at all. Last season we lost our first three games and still ended up winning the league.

“We have been slow starters for a few years now, but I am sure that five-point win is not far away from us.”

Tries from Max Day and Andrew Twinney, coupled with a pair of conversions and penalty from Tom Weaver, put Trowbridge 17-0 up early on.

Although Newbury hit back, another Weaver kick saw the hosts lead 20-10 at half-time.

Scott Williams and Adam Sullivan dotted down in the second half to seal a try bonus point for Trowbridge, and although Newbury continued to score themselves, Weaver’s boot had the home side 37-32 in front heading into the closing stages.

However, Newbury showed their class as the contest drew towards its conclusion and three further converted tries saw Trowbridge’s hopes of a first win dashed.

Jeffries added: “We started to kick the ball a bit loosely and didn’t control possession well enough, and that really played into Newbury’s hands.

“In the grand scheme of things, we were only a couple of minor improvements away from getting five points against the title favourites.

“We have played well in every game we have played this season. It’s just about getting over the line and starting off that winning habit again.”

Trowbridge travel to Old Centralians, who have picked up a maximum 15 points from 15 this season, on Saturday.