Huddersfield RUFC were pipped to the post by Preston Grasshoppers, but were left with plenty of positives from their first pre-season outing.
The visitors left Lockwood Park with a 26-21 win after scoring a decisive late try, but backs coach Ian Shuttleworth said: “All in all, I’m fantastically positive and really pleased.
“We were playing against a side a league above us and a side that’s at the top end of that league.”
Shuttleworth felt new signings and old players all gelled well and added: “We should have won the game in the end, but threw it away a little bit and maybe some match fitness is the reason behind it.”
Huddersfield notched two tries with the first scored soon after the break, from second row Gary Rhodes.
The scoreboard was also kept ticking thanks to the boot of new signing and convert from rugby league Tom Hodson.
A hard-running display from returning player Ben Morrill set the pace early on for the home side and it proved a physical game and a good test for both clubs.
Fly half on the day Hodson was also pleased with the performance and said: “I suppose in a way it’s better that we lost as it gives us an extra kick.
“But there’s plenty of positives and nothing to be down-hearted about.”
