JON Mills said London Welsh’s display against Leicester gave them something to build on.

The Exiles’ captain could hardly have chosen a tougher game for his and the team’s Premiership debut, but he was far from downcast afterwards.

“It was a shame the result didn’t go the way we wanted it to, but it was a good test and a really good starting point for the club,” said Mills.

“It was a tough game. At times we felt quite comfortable out there.

“I think we were a bit naïve early on and probably played in the wrong areas of the pitch.

“But there are a lot of positives we can take from the game.

“It is a shame we allowed them to score so quickly after half-time.

“Maybe we could have stayed a bit closer to them and they would have got a bit nervous, but that is the way it is.”

Mills was asked whether he considered requesting a video replay for Leicester’s second half tries, with the latter at least appearing to be from a forward pass.

He said: “I didn’t see it. I wish I had, I would have challenged otherwise.

“I will from now on.”

Leicester director of rugby Richard Cockerill said: “You have got to give credit to Welsh. They were very much up for the battle and they got themselves back in the game.

“If you are not on your game, they will punish you – and they did. Fair play to them.

“I didn’t know what to expect from them, but there is enough experience in that side to cause you problems.

“Physically, they were very good. They raced up off the line hard, randomly at times, but they made life difficult for us.”

Commenting on Leicester’s disappointing finish to the first half, Cockerill added: “Let’s give credit to them, rather than criticise us.

“They did some good things.”