Even though he could do nothing but watch as Harlequins ran five tries past his gutsy Pertemps Bees side, Phil Maynard has serious doubts about the National One favourites.

The Bees director of rugby even accused 'Quins of ' arrogance' in their attempts to breakdown the hosts' defence and questioned whether they can go through the season unbeaten, as many commentators have suggested they will.

Only one team, Worcester, have achieved that in recent years and according to the outspoken Maynard, the Londoners are in for some difficult games this campaign and can take nothing for granted.

"They are not playing with any rhythm," Maynard said of a side relegated from the Premiership last season.

"They were trying to score from first phase which, from a coaching point of view, I know is difficult against anyone, so I thought that showed a bit of arrogance.

" If anyone could see £3.5 million difference there, I would be prepared to argue with them."

Maynard's sentiments were borne out by events on the pitch because there were times during Saturday's 35-9 winwhen the visitors could not come to terms with Bees' aggressive approach.

But for two-try bursts at the start and the end of the game, there was very little between the teams.

"We were surprised at the lack of physicality," Maynard added and, asked whether he thought Harlequins would win every game, said: "I would reassess that now."

His opposite number, Dean Richards, could not deny his team had been forced to make countless mistakes and would have to improve before they play Otley next week.

"They came out very hard in the second half and I don't think the score reflected the difference between the two sides; it should have been a bit tighter," said the former Leicester and England No 8.

"Pertemps Bees can take a huge amount out of it. They contested very well in the tackle area, they were physically up for it and showed a huge amount of flair at certain times. They had a few players who really impressed me.

"Our skill levels were not up to the level we expected. We made a huge amount of unforced errors."

He was equally pleased with the conditions at Sharmans Cross Road, after speculation that his team would struggle with life outside the Premiership.

"A lot has been written about the facilities but what Bees have offered has been fantastic," he said. "The hospitality has been tremendous and the changing facilities are far better than Bath's."