JOHN Brodley believes Chinnor are already showing the attributes they need hold their own in National 3 South.

Chinnor's head coach has seen his side produce dramatic comebacks in their first two games - at home to Clifton and Hereford.

And although the latter ended in an agonising 34-30 defeat, Brodley is more than satisfied with Chinnor's start to the campaign.

He said: "The Hertford game was the first real test for us because Clifton were a side we expected to beat at home as we did so last season.

"We showed that if we can be mentally strong, we are physically strong enough to live with teams like Hertford.

"Each match we are going to get to know each other better and develop our patterns of play.

"Each match is a physical and mental challenge for us, but I know we can keep raising our game.

"Cinderford away next week is another step up for us, even though we played them in South West 1 a few years ago.

"It will be good to see how we face up away from home in this league."

Saturday's loss to Hertford didn't come without its lessons, particularly in the way Chinnor defended early on.

Brodley accepts his side must be more adaptable.

He said: "In the first half we were assuming they were going to play a traditional game.

"When the fly half dropped deep, we thought they were going to kick.

"We were thinking it was a South West 1 type game.

"We hadn't mentally stepped up to National 3 level where teams do the unexpected. That cost us really.

"The character shown by the team, considering it is a new side, to come back was a tremendous achievement and very encouraging.

"If we learn from our mistakes in the first half then the season looks promising."

Saturday also saw an encouraging crowd of 320 watch Chinnor play, most of whom attended the pre-match family fun day.

And Brodley stressed the club must keep developing their traditional community strength.

He said "I think Saturday showed the club in its true colours. The family fun day was excellent.

"All sections of the club were represented, either on the field or behind the scenes.

"It is our aim to remain a traditional rugby club with a successful first team."