SUMMER signing Nile Dacres is hoping Plymouth Albion can build on the positives from their opening pre-season match against Jersey.
The former Moseley, Worcester and Stourbridge forward felt there was a lot to be optimistic about, despite the 43-15 defeat at St Peter.
Dacres got Albion off to a great start by scoring their first try of the new campaign after less than six minutes. Fellow new signing Ethan Ford also crossed as Albion stormed into a 15-0 lead before Jersey hit back thanks to their effective driving game.
“I think for the first 20-25 minutes we were really pleased,” said Dacres. “We did everything we had been working on in training and I was even lucky enough to get myself on the scoreboard.
“But credit to Jersey, they showed they are a good Championship side and managed the game a bit better than we did.
“But, even so, for a first run out and with pretty much a new squad of players coming together there were a lot of positives we can take away and build on over the next few weeks.”
He added: “I have played Jersey a few times and there is no doubt they are a good side.
“But in open, especially that first 20-30 minutes, we looked to be on top. However, they showed their experience and put us into the corners when we gave away penalties and they went to their driving game, which is where most of their tries came from.
“It’s a lesson for us to learn – we can’t give away silly penalties because we’ll end up paying for them.
“We still have a lot to work on as a team. There are certain areas that we haven’t probably covered quite as much and some other things.
“But considering it was our first game as a group, it was pretty positive.
“We’ve now got two weeks to focus on some more stuff in training before Bedford. Hopefully, we can build on what we did on Saturday.”
Dacres certainly would not mind a few more tries this season. He did get 13 in one campaign for Stourbridge.
“Hopefully, I can (get a few more). I was pleased to get over on Saturday,” he said. “But if it’s scoring or not scoring, as long as the team is going well, I’m fine with that.”
Apart from a short loan spell at Rotherham, Dacres has never played outside the Birmingham area. However, he is loving life in Plymouth, a city where heis dad once played basketball.
“It’s getting better week by week,” he said. “I am really growing into the place.
“I’m just working hard through pre-season and just can’t wait for that first home game in the league.”
* FORMER Albion winger Mark Kohler could make an early return to Brickfields having joined Rossyln Park this summer.
Park are Albion’s second opponents of the season. They also include among their squad former Albion development fly-half Tom Whelan.