London Welsh head coach admitted the Exiles were fortunate to emerge with a losing bonus point from Sunday’s defeat to Saracens at the Kassam Stadium, despite the home side nearly snatching victory at the death.

The Exiles looked destined to go empty-handed mid-way through the second half, as they trialled 25-13, but Tom Arscott’s try and the boot of Gavin Henson gave Welsh renewed hope, only for the home side to fall just short in a thrilling finish.

“Up front we didn’t play great and we’re disappointed with that,” said Jones. “Behind we had a bit of shape about us and when our forwards were able to give a platform we were able to play well.

“To play as badly as we did and to come away with a losing bonus point was a plus. We’re showing good glimpses of ability, we’re showing great heart and desire and the next step for us is to be a lot more accurate in what we’re doing.

“Saracens are a quality side and they played very well. The strength of the Saracens squad was evident - they had a good win away to Harlequins and they pipped us at the post.”

Henson was instrumental in setting up Arscott’s try with a floated miss pass that released wing Nick Scott. The fly half was making his first Premiership start for Welsh, and his first appearance since fracturing his cheekbone against the Scarlets in a pre-season friendly, and Jones was pleased by what he saw.

“First game back for God knows how long I thought his performance was very good - his kicking game was hugely influential,” he said.

“We all saw the pass. We all thought ‘what the hell he’s doing?’ ‘Fantastic, that’s the way!’ But that came from a Gavin kick which was then returned and we were able to play from it.

“When people come back from injury or haven’t played for several months you can’t be too exact or heavy in judging someone’s performance. You have to give them time to grow back into the game and that’s what we’ll do with Gav.

“But overall just to get through the game uninjured and to have a positive affect was a double bonus for us. I thought he was very influential in us getting the bonus point.

“There’s the player on the field, there’s the player on the training ground and there’s the player in the clubhouse, and at the moment Gavin’s ticked all the boxes.”