BATH & Wiltshire Romans paid the price for a poor start as they lost their opening West of England League match 34-30 to United Services Portsmouth Navy Seahawks at Corsham RFC's Lacock Road.

Romans had the better attacking plays but waited to get 28-0 down midway through the first half before they started to play.

Despite the poor conditions, the Romans were still playing good, attacking rugby and pulled the half-time score back to 28-18.

Debutant winger Chris Barter showed good speed to go over for the first try, before stalwarts Jimmy Godfrey and man-of-the-match Mike Perry crossed for further scores.

In the second half, Portsmouth scored just once while Barter went over for a second debut try, before experienced Fijian ex-forces international Bruce Vuetanatotoka added the final score and converted four times, half-back Matthew Bodey adding another.

Romans chairman Chris Chatten said: “I believe if the game had gone on a few minutes longer, we would have won the game, but we need to start games better.

"We lacked a bit of grunt up front but it was a new team and we will take time to gel.

"The way the players fought back to a winning position showed strength of character and we now have two weeks in training before the next game to get some more fluidity."

The Romans are next in action when they take on Bristol Sonics at their Dings RFC home on Saturday, June 4 (2.30pm).