College fail to hit the heights (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

College fail to hit the heights

LEAP OF FAITH action from Swindon College's Powergen Vase clash with Matson Ref: 99315-1Depleted Swindon College played host to Gloucester side Matson in the Powergen Junior Vase and suffered a 57-12 defeat.

The final score does overshadow the effort put in by newly blooded players Gareth Hollis at centre and Adam Davies at hooker.

Both sides made a lively start but it was soon evident that the visitors were a very well drilled outfit with quality players in key positions such as the fly half a Gloucester Academy player proved when he set up three tries with precision kicks and scored two individual tries.

The College side did make it easier for the visitors as they seemed to go to sleep after 10 minutes and let the opposition play their own game, this ploy proved to be a disaster as Matson notched up 21 points in as many minutes and 40 by the break.

A shake-up at half time and some stern words from coach Martin Lloyd revitalised the College side as they began the second half playing their normal game, battling the opposition up front then releasing their back line which resulted in a wonderful try from winger Darren Johnston who received the ball on his own 22m line and sliced through the Matson defence to score under the posts and give scrum half Mark Lea an easy conversion.

A reply came 10 minutes later as Matson scored an unconverted try to make the score 45-7.

Centre Greig O'Brien added another five points for the Old Boys 21 minutes into the half to make the score line a little more respectable.

Two late soft tries changed the perspective though.

Old Boys manager Martin Peaple said: "We knew we would be up against it in this fixture with quite a few out for various reasons and Matson do have a reputation.

"I am pleased we came through with no injuries and the performance of second team players who stood up to be counted at this level is a boost to the club as it means we can confidently concentrate on our league fixtures. The league is our priority this season."