Match report courtesy of Alistair Morrison
Swindon have also proved strong opposition for Trowbridge teams, but this season they have suffered more than normal and have yet to record their first win. Playing in damp conditions at Greenbridge Road is quite normal at this time of year, but you are always going to receive a warm and competitive welcome. They were unable to travel to Gordano last week owing to a trip to Gloucester from some of their players but they were back today with two sides playing at Greenbridge Road.
Trowbridge were without wing Oakley Milton and flanker Ben Mallett and also absentees from last weeks Longlevens match, and had Luke Love starting at prop and Matthew King on the replacements bench.
Trowbridge dominated at the start with three tries from the three quarters in the first quarter from Joe Martindale, Ali Frost and James MacFarlane with all crossing the line beating several defenders before dotting down. Tom Weaver converted all three, but after this interlude a yellow card denied him having the opportunity to add to add total of scored for the season. The Swindon defence became more effective and kept Trowbridge out until the stroke of half time. They were only broken when a blind side break to right wing Peter Kewell after a break from No 8 Gareth Jones breached the defence for fly half George Russ to convert.
Just before the interval Martindale sped over to earn a try bonus point to make the score 26-7 to Trowbridge, and just after MacFarlane also scored a second try before Trowbridge further tries from replacement second row Connor McPherson, Martindale, brothers Alex and Rory Murchison and Jac Stone. Swindon scored a try from an unidentified forward in the last minute to make the final score 62-12.
With the second team taking a walkover from Frome 2s, Trowbridge have successfully given exposure to several second team players that will be benefit them as the season progresses. They start this task hosting Drybrook at Doric Park next Saturday, while the 3rd team have played themselves into contention for the league title after leaders Melksham 2s lost at Warminster on Saturday. In the long term this may help the fortunes of the lower sides if more younger players mature through the lower sides.
Player of the Match sponsored by Plumbase was awarded to winger for Joe Martindale following an excellent personal performance.
Head Coach Ali Lund said "Going into the game as favorites always brings its own pressures, but I was really pleased with how the team stuck to the task and maintained a positive attitude throughout. It's easy to let standards slip in a game like this, but the boys showed great focus and discipline to keep executing what we've worked on. This performance is a reflection of the hard work they've been putting in at training and their determination to improve both individually and as a team. We're starting to see the rewards of that commitment, and we'll keep pushing to get better every week. I was also really pleased to see guys like Luke Love, Chavey King, and Jac Stone step up from the 2nd team and put in such strong performances. They slotted in seamlessly, which is a credit to their work ethic and the strength of the squad as a whole."