Launceston skipper Tom Rawlings proud despite loss

Launceston captain Tom Rawlings said his side had taken a big step forward despite a 22-20 league loss at Clifton.

The result gave Launceston a bonus point and, according to Rawlings, renewed confidence.

"Unfortunately we were just on the wrong end but the guys played really well," he told BBC Radio Cornwall.

"I'm really proud of them and they showed real character to come away with a bonus point against Clifton who have had a good season so far."

Rawlings and coach Cliff Rainford had put the emphasis on improving the team's defence during the build-up to the game, and the flanker said the efforts had been at least a partial success.

"Our defence still needs to be worked on, we let ourselves down a little bit," said Rawlings.

"We are a good defensive outfit but we need to be consistent. The line press was good but a few guys shot out the line and created gaps for Clifton to exploit.

"It does take time and we only have two training sessions to try to fix things. But it needs to be ironed out and if we don't we will keep shipping points.

"You can't expect to win games by outscoring teams - ultimately those few errors in our defensive line costs us the game and points.

"But it's getting there and was a lot more positive than last week."

Rawlings also took the opportunity to praise the performance of the pack after recent struggles.

"We've been quite critical of our performances but I'm really pleased," he said.

"The forwards were phenomenal and the scrum sorted itself out. We've been under the cosh the last few weeks but the front row and the whole pack were outstanding and the backs finished off some great tries as well.

"I am gutted we didn't come away with a win but ultimately we got a bonus point so we didn't leave with nothing."