MacDonald, right, could not lead his team to success against Moseley

Leeds Carnegie captain Mike MacDonald has blamed mistakes for their shock 23-18 National Trophy defeat by Moseley at Twickenham on Saturday.

The loss meant Leeds failed in their attempt to seal a league and cup double after topping National One

"Our mistakes really hurt us. That let them into the game and they capitalised on them," he told BBC Radio Leeds.

"We knocked the ball on for their first try and got our defensive line wrong for the second."

Leeds had lifted the National One trophy just six days before the Twickenham final and had hoped to put a marker down in the showpiece event ahead of their return to the Guinness Premiership.

MacDonald added: "We didn't play bad rugby, but our fundamental skills just let us down at the wrong times.

"It is very frustrating, especially on a big stage like this and we just have to learn from it.

"Credit to Moseley, who played very well and defensively were very good. Congratulations to them."

Leeds head to Plymouth Albion on Saturday for their final game in National One.

"That will now be a test of character for us on how we perform there," MacDonald said.

"We will be playing for each other, for the club and for the shirt.

"I'm glad we have this opportunity to put things right at Plymouth, because we don't want to be ending a good season on a defeat."

BBC Radio Leeds will have exclusive full match commentary of Plymouth v Leeds Carnegie on Saturday online at bbc.co.uk/leeds, plus reports on 103.9 FM.

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