THEY do say that it's an encouraging sign to win when you are not at your best and on Saturday's evidence, things bode well for the future.

Having beaten a very tough Coventry side 29-23, we knew we hadn't played well but we took maximum points from Coundon Road.

We've made it pretty plain that we want to concentrate on performance rather than worry too much about securing the four tries this season.

However, I think Saturday was all about getting off to a good start and we did that with five points in the bag.

Leading the side out was a great honour for me and being captain is something I am relishing this season. I've had experience before as skipper back in South Africa so it is nothing new to me. I'm an outgoing type of person, upbeat and I hope that can rub off on the rest of the squad. You certainly won't see me with a sour face - unless we lose of course!

I'm a very relaxed captain - I won't be screaming and shouting - but at the same time, we all know we have a professional job to do this year. I go out on the pitch and give 100 per cent and I expect that from everyone else. We want to be Premiership players and need to focus in every training session and every minute of each match in order to succeed.

Rugby in the modern era is a cut-throat business. On their day, the so-called underdogs can shoot down the big guns and that applies to National One as much as international or Premiership rugby. If you are not focused 100 per cent, you will be punished and we are well aware of that.

A good example came at Coventry. With 13 minutes to go in the second half we led 26-9 but we took our foot off the pedal and almost paid for it after they scored two late tries. Again, the objective has to be to stretch out performances for more than 20-minute bursts here and there. You are never going to dominate for 80 minutes but we must improve on our execution if we are to move forward.

It must be said, though, that the sheer physical nature of the match against Coventry was right up there with anything I've ever encountered on the field and that goes for Super 12 or internationals. Some people assume that National One is a big step down - let me assure them that it's as tough as it gets!

While we are admitting that we didn't play well, we are not overly concerned because it was, after all, the opening game of the season. It is a well-worn clich and sometimes a rather transparent excuse but you do not want to peak in your first match. The season is a building process and we will probably be at our best in a month's time.

Orrell provide us with our next test on Saturday and all the players are looking forward to the first game in front of our own supporters. They made enough noise at Coventry so we want to repay them with some entertaining rugby. Orrell sit proudly on top of the table after their 70-point haul against Rugby Lions so it promises to be a great spectacle.

We are both expected to challenge for promotion this season and it will be an early indication of just how the season will pan out for us both. Nothing will be won on Saturday although landing an early psychological blow is always important against your title rivals.