Aylesbury’s club chairman rued their slow start as they fell to a 24-15 defeat at league leaders Grove.
The Ay’s came into the match in high spirits after their league and cup double win over Drifters.
However, Dean Gray said the team struggled to ever get going in the South West Division, Southern Counties North league match.
Gray said: “We started so slowly. It left us playing catch up for the rest of the game and we ended up chasing the game.”
Grove were quick out of the blocks running over three tries before winger Liam d’Almeida offered a response by touching down in corner.
It proved a short lived hope, though, as Grove quickly restored their lead to head into the break 24-8 up.
While Gray was left unimpressed by the poor beginning, the Ay’s rallied in the second half but just fell short.
After winger Matt Birch crossed the whitewash and Woodfall slotted the conversion to make it 24-15, Aylesbury threw everything at Grove but were unfortunate to see d’Almeida not double his tally.
The winger almost crossed but was narrowly denied by a rigid Grove defence.
Gray added: “We definitely had most the possession in the second half. But we got held up over the line at one point.
“At nine points down it would have been a bit of a difference.”
The Ay’s now travel to Milton Keynes on Saturday (kick-off 2.30pm) and Gray said he was looking forward to welcoming back some key personnel.
“We went to Buckingham a couple of weeks ago and had 20 out injured. A lot of them were first team.
“We are not blessed with massive strength in depth. The boys are all up for it and training hard, though.”
Gray added given the injury crisis they have suffered in recent weeks he would be happy with a mid-table finish this season and a few wins before Christmas.
“I want us to build on our performances over the last two weeks and start stronger.”