London Scottish head coach James Buckland reckons Saturday's 23-17 defeat at Pontypridd was an important step in the development of a Championship promotion winning squad, writes Oli Shapley.

A last minute score from new loan signing Connor Braid - converted by Peter Lydon - secured a losing bonus point in the openinng round of the British & Irish Cup.

Buckland rested a host of first team stars - including Miles Mantella and Mark Bright - for the trip to Wales with a view to assessing the relative merits of the rest of his squad.

And the Athletic Ground chief was delighted with the performance of his side if not the result.

"I was really pleased with the younger boys who got an opportunity and it was fantastic to get the try at the end," he said.

"We wanted to see what the squad is made of and to go to the house of pain and get a point is a great effort from everyone.

"Individually we were really pleased, the team could have been a bit sharper at times and maybe they come away wishing they got more out of the game.

"But to be successful we need 30 guys up to speed and they showed that."

Scottish host Championship title rivals Bristol next Saturday in the next round of the competition.

"It'll be another challenge for us, but we're back at home and it's all to play for now" added Buckland.

"We're third in the Championship now and we know that it's a marathon not a sprint.

"We're targeting points from our next league games and we know whoever we need to call upon is ready."