CHELMSFORD Rugby Club's director of rugby, Eddie Gooby, was proud of his team's display despite their 34-16 loss to Harrow in the London and South East Intermediate Cup.
Gooby made 14 changes for the fixture, with the upcoming league clash against Norwich next weekend in mind.
But the Blueboys boss was impressed by what he saw from a team made up of mainly second-string players.
He said: "It wasn't a hard defeat to take because the boys did so well, seeing as the opposition didn't make any changes from the week before and we made 14.
"We had a look at some youngsters and fringe players and every one of them did us proud.
"That means we know that we have players performing at a good level and if we do have any injuries then we know we have people to step in. That is what Saturday was all about."
"We were supposed to have 19 players but three dropped out on the morning of the match, so I roped in someone else who had come down just to watch. The boys played some good rugby and defended their hearts out."
Chelmsford welcome Norwich on Saturday with the teams sitting joint-top of the London Two North East after a perfect three wins from three.
But with one of those records likely to come to an end this weekend, Gooby is confident his players will be raring to go.
He added: "Norwich have got off to a brilliant start, just like we have. Hopefully my guys are rested up and ready to go this weekend and hungry to win.
"There has been a lot of banter going round from the guys that played on Saturday telling the other lads that they are after their places in the team.
"Telling them to make sure they get to training otherwise they will be there to start in front of them.
"But that is great because it shows that we have a great squad spirit and everyone is pulling in the right direction."
