Atkinson off as Swindon are shocked (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Atkinson off as Swindon are shocked

Swindon's Berks, Bucks & Oxon One hopes are all but over after a shock 27-20 defeat to bottom-placed Thatcham.

The Berkshire side were without a win from their nine previous league matches this season, but that all changed as third-placed Swindon became their first victims.

To add to the visitors' woes, they had second row Pete Atkinson red-carded on the half-hour the moment that the game probably swung in the home side's favour.

Thatcham were clearly fired up for the game and much of the first half was marred by indiscipline from both sides.

Thatcham were the first to get points on the board however, crossing for a try after 10 minutes.

This proved the wake-up call that Swindon needed and they started playing some quality rugby.

Skipper Paul Wakefield went over for two tries and prop Scott Chapman converted one and also sent over a penalty to take Swindon into the lead.

The game then changed when Atkinson saw red for an alleged late tackle.

Down to 14, and with their main source of lineout ball off the field, Swindon faced an uphill struggle.

Thatcham levelled matters up with a try early in the second half but, to their credit, Swindon again responded with a try from No 8 Mark Scarrott.

However, they gave up a penalty try after being penalised for not retreating 10 metres, which was converted and Thatcham sealed the win with a try in the 77th minute.