WARRIORS flanker Sam Betty insisted that missed opportunities and poor kicking cost his team as they slipped to a 23-21 defeat to Jersey, ending their 24-game winning run.

Despite Dean Ryan’s men leading the Channel Island outfit 21-13 with just over 10 minutes left on the clock, a converted Ryan Hodson try and a dramatic drop-goal from Aaron Penberthy won it for Harvey Biljon’s men.

Betty admitted his side didn’t take advantage at crucial times on a nippy afternoon off the coast of France.

“We could have used the wind better to get a few more points on the board but we should’ve taken our chances,” said Betty.

“We kicked poorly and they battled hard right to the death to get the result.

“It was 21-13 with 15 minutes to go and we were camped on their line. If we went over and scored it would have been the game.”

Warriors spent the first 15 minutes camped in their own half as Jersey caused them problems from the off.

But, despite the testing start, Betty insisted he and his team-mates knew what to expect.

“They put a lot of pressure on us in the first 15 minutes and we did well to keep them out,” he said.

“We defended their maul pretty well. We knew what to expect yet we just couldn’t get everything right on the day. We didn’t play to the best of our ability whereas they probably did.”

Betty, who bagged his 15th try in 15 games to become Warriors’ top try-scorer this season, paid tribute to Jersey and in particular Penberthy, who proved to be their match-winner.

“All credit to Jersey as they were on top of their game,” said Betty.

“Their place in the table probably doesn’t reflect how good they are.

“We missed our chances and it let them back in. It’s all about fine margins and credit to Penberthy who landed a cracking drop-goal at the end which proved to be the difference.”

Warriors battle London Scottish at Sixways this weekend and Betty believes the loss to Jersey will urge his side to up their game ahead of the play-offs.

“This loss will give us a bit of a push to raise our standards,” claimed Betty. “It’s going to come down to the play-offs now. We have to beat whoever to get to the Premiership so we need to kick-start again on Saturday.”