Swindon speedy backs win the day

Trowbridge's miserable start to the season continued at Swindon's uninspiring facility on Saturday when they were beaten by an impressive display of counter attacking where the power of centre Adam Dobie and the speed of right wing Oliver Wilson contributed seven of the ten home tries. Add to this the control and guile of county fly half Adam Westall and Swindon look to have put out a warning to other clubs in the league that they are not there to make up the numbers this season.

Trowbridge started brightly and were on the scoreboard after three minutes when the ball was fed through the backs and right wing Aaron Bray scored in the corner, but within a few minutes the hosts were level after gaining possession on the half way line after a Trowbridge handling mistake and Westall raced up the wing to score in the left corner. At this stage it was unpredictable who would gain the ascendency as Trowbridge went ahead again. Shane Johnstone their most impressive player, turned up in the centre to outpaced the Swindon defence to score a try. Again the try was not converted, but again Swindon responded almost instantly with tries from left wing Jordan Sheppard, converted by Westall, and Adam Dobie, both from moves from half way. Under pressure, Trowbridge were forced to infringe and a Westall penalty and his conversion of a try from full back Josh Jensen completed the scoring before the interval to make the score 29-10.

Swindon, with the elements in their favour began the second half with two quick tries from Oliver Wilson, with one Westall conversion but to their credit, Trowbridge managed to stem the flow of tries and their forwards matched the Swindon pack. However, during this period, Dobie scored after 14 minutes and Wilson on half an hour following a five metre scrum, after an indiscretion from Trowbridge captain Scott Williams who was sent to the sin bin. During his absence Trowbridge attacked and veteran Second row Mark Durant was driven over for Trowbridge's third try. With five minutes remaining there was still time for the excellent Dobie to score two tries when Trowbridge were showing signs of fatigue. Westall converted the final try.

A Swindon spectator rightly commented that Trowbridge competed until the end but this result puts them at the base of the league. They have played two of the likely pace setters and though there have been some absentees, they need to improve to move up the league, with ther first opportunity coming when they host Windsor next Saturday at Doric Park.