SWINDON St George began the new Southern Conference League West Division campaign with a 50-36 defeat in an entertaining contest away at Torfaen Tigers.
Torfaen are the early pace-setters in the division and are the only side to have played two games so far this season, winning both.
St George produced a battling performance in south Wales at the weekend and trailed just 10-8 at half-time.
The two teams remained closely matched throughout the second period too, but the hosts were finally able to pull clear in the closing stages and put the result beyond doubt.
Despite the defeat, there were plenty of good signs for captain Rhys Evans and his troops to build on over the remainder of the campaign.
St George play their first home game of the season this weekend when they host Cardiff Blue Dragons at Supermarine RFC on Saturday.
Like Swindon, Dragons have lost the only game they have played so far this term, going down 50-14 at home to Torfaen on April 27.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here