Seaton Rangers earned praise from their coach despite a 78-10 defeat at Thatto Heath in the Challenge Cup.
The home side play in the National Conference Premier Division while Seaton had left the Conference last season to contest the Cumberland League.
Most telling of all was that Seaton don’t start training until January 19 and only had one short run out last week ahead of the game.
Coach Neil Frazer said: “I was very proud of them. Obviously a huge difference between the two teams but they never gave in.
“We don’t start training until next Monday so to go down there and play a team of that standard after doing nothing since October was always going to be a big ask.
“There were some good performances, especially Jordan O’Leary who played 80 minutes at loose forward. Jaiden Tallentire did well at full-back and new recruit Kieran Robinson showed some nice touches in his first game for us.
“There’s plenty to work on, especially in defence, but we’ll be fine.”
Luke Grossman had scored a first-half try for Seaton which Robinson converted as they trailed 44-6 at the break. Tallentire scored the other Rangers try in the second half.
The victory has earned Thatto Heath a home tie with Widnes in the second round.
