Jinxed College in a jam (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Jinxed College in a jam

SWINDON College suffered a catalogue of disasters as they crashed 62-12 to Berks, Bucks & Oxon Premier leaders Bicester.

Their bad day started in the morning as skipper John Godsell damaged his shoulder after a fall while walking his dog.

College also had prop Nigel Clarke, hooker Mark Brown plus Matt McKee and Steve Offord out injured and it got worse as traffic problems meant they arrived just 15 minutes before kick-off.

Bicester took full advantage to score after just two minutes and lead 28-5 at half-time.

Greig O'Brien lifted the gloom a little as he powered through the defence to score for College but, in the second half, 17 points in as many minutes confirmed the Old Boys' demise.

College were awarded a penalty try, O'Brien converting, but two late unconverted tries took the tally over 60.

n CHIPPENHAM first-team boss Robbie Spiers praised his side as they overcame Cheltenham 24-3 in an Allington Field mudbath in South West One.

Spiers said: "The playing conditions were horrendous which signalled a dour and error-strewn game.

"It was always going to a case of whoever dealt with the conditions best would win, and this proved to be the case.''

Chippenham had the better of the first half and led 10-0 at the break thanks to James Gibson's penalty on the half hour and his conversion of a try from Gary Champion.

Cheltenham finished the first period with 14 men, lock Stuart Crabb being sent to the sin-bin.

The visitors reduced arrears as fly-half Sam Hanks kicked a drop-goal but Chippenham's second try came from winger Darren McMillan after some quick handling through the backs.

Gibson added the conversion and Cheltenham's frustration grew as captain James McMahon was sent to the sin-bin.

And Chippenham put the game beyond reach with a third try from lock Nick Doyle on the burst. With Gibson kicking the conversion, Chippenham took the two points.