UNDER 23s head coach Dave Cox was proud of his side despite losing 43-42 at Level Five side Oxford Harlequins.

Former Mini Theo Pett-Ridge opened the scoring before the hosts benefitted from Rams’ mistakes, moving 24-7 in front.

Matt Cox made it two from two from the tee after Will Saunders burrowed over, but another brace of Quins tries made it 36-14 at the break.

And another seven-pointer extended their lead.

But Rams launched an incredible fightback with Ethan Bassett starting it, the replacement full-back scything over.

Saunders doubled his tally before Darren Bold powered over.

And another ex-Mini, Luke Thorpe grabbed a last-play score, one of his teammates for more than 10 years, Cox, completing a 100% record.

Yet Dave praised his team despite the narrow defeat.

He said: “It was an end-to-end game with lots of errors from both sides, but we were always going to get that during a first hit out.

“Most of our lads hadn’t played together before this game.

"So to come back the way we did in the second half, I’m delighted with what we showed.

“What it showed our guys is if you make mistakes at this level, you’ll get punished.

“We gave them three tries in the first half through a dropped ball along with two other mistakes – but it’s a hard lesson learned and one we need to take away.

“However, with a bit of a scratch team all I asked for was character, energy, enthusiasm and positivity, and we got all of those.”

He continued: “It was a good fightback and the lads who came on made a big difference.

"They added some fresh legs and we showed towards the end with accuracy what we could do.

“It was a great way to start the season. I’m very pleased.”

With the club for more than 35 years as a 1st XV captain, coach, analyst, junior guru and two-time Colts’ OBB Championship winning leader, Dave now leads the U23s operation.

And he ended: “It warmed the heart to see so many who’ve come through and done so well.

“During pre-season we integrated the U23s with the Senior squad more and more, and they didn’t look out of place.

“Obviously, there’s a difference in standard. But they looked comfortable and that’s with some who’ve never played near Level Five, let alone Level Three.

“At Rams we try and nurture these young guys, we look at the long-term gains we can get from juniors, Colts, now U23s, and we’re not looking for quick wins.

“We’ve seen the start of the fruits of those efforts here.”

Rams 1st XV host Sale for their National One opener on Saturday (3pm).

To book pre-match lunch, with more than 70 in for a fabulous meal, click here

Discounted tickets before matchday (£16.50 rather than £18.50), can be bought here