SEB Reynolds implored his Rams players to believe in themselves following the crushing 36-33 National One home reverse against Leeds Tykes.
The hosts were in complete control at 33-17 in front before shipping 19 unanswered points in the last 25 minutes.
Alex Ridgway put Rams in front, Ross McKay with the extras, before Tykes hit back.
Albert Bradshaw got them on the board before Eddie Crossland converted a Jack Hamilton try.
But seven-pointers from Henry Kirwan and Ollie Stirling had the hosts 21-12 up at the break.
Both were their first tries for the Berkshire boys.
Ben Turpin crossed to reduce the arrears but after Mckay added to a Zach Clow effort, Ryan Cozens also collected a maiden score.
Leeds, though, stuck to the task superbly and cut the gap to 33-29 as Bradshaw doubled up and Kristan Dobson sliced through, Seramaia Bai Turagabeci converting the second.
And the centurion added the coup de gras following Matt Salisbury’s 77th-minute winner, albeit Rams turned down a penalty in front of the posts to secure a draw.
Reflecting on a helter-skelter Halloween affair, Seb began: “There were lots of positives.
“We built a nice platform and for a large part there were good defensive sets, the set-piece was a massive plus, but when it came to key moments, we fell short.
“We handed the game to Leeds, albeit they still had to go comeback and get it done, which they did.
“They’re a good, confident side and showed what they can do after we gave them the chance.”
‘We will get there’
He continued: “We weren’t able to maintain pressure, which is a theme of the season and this side’s infancy.
“We lacked a clarity and confidence in what we want to produce. The guys need to understand they’re good enough to do what they should.
“At TJs we felt we could go there and give them a good game and we weren’t able to.
“Speaking to a few of the players about where they’re at and their confidence, they don’t recognise how good they can be.
“But it happens with young sides.
“We will get there, though, we built something in the first 55 minutes and it’s the reason they’re so disappointed because it was there for them.
“You could feel the energy midway through the second half when we were putting the pressure on, got to 33 points, and we should have had the maturity to put it to see it out.
“Then you get the crowd going, have a really good home victory, but it wasn’t to be. We’ll learn from it and put it right for our supporters.”
Among the highlights were the return of Rams’ outstanding performer Dan Swain, while the Director of Rugby was also quick to praise Isaac Tokura in midfield.
He said: “It wasn’t the plan for Dan to do the full 80, but he’s an absolute warrior.
“There were also a lot of young lads who did so well, especially Isaac.
“His rate of development has been unbelievable, he won the gain-line so well in midfield and I give him huge credit.
“Henry Kirwan coming back after six weeks out on the right wing was also excellent.”
‘Need to fix tackle height’
The home pack were outstanding throughout, particularly at the scrum, winning a string of penalties.
And Seb praised the officials, stating: “What coaches and players want is when dominance is rewarded.
“All those guys put a lot of hard work into it, and I thought the referee (Alex Powdrell) did a fantastic job.
“If you’re on top, it should be officiated that way and it’s right to penalise the other side.”
Less impressive was some of the Rams’ defence, with the tackle height again too high.
The head coach added: “The players have to fix this themselves. There’s only so much work (Defence Coach) Danny (Batty) can do.
“They’ll have a chat with themselves and put it right.”
Rams travel to unbeaten table-toppers Plymouth Albion on Saturday (3pm), before hosting Camborne on November 14.
For tickets, click here
