Trowbridge just get home against Swans

This match was a must win one for Trowbridge who had won just one match in the last six having met several of the higher placed teams in that period. however they were keen to return to winning ways against their south coast visitors who have struggled this season as the basement of the league after winning Southern Counties South last season.

The ground conditions were favourable with mild dry conditions. Trowbridge have not been able to field the same side consistently this season. Scrum half George Leat, who had to move positions last week had an injury and the second row was change with Mark Williams returning the the starting line up a father returning from injury on the bench last week. Veteran Mark Durant replaced Matt Howard who started on the bench while Ieuan Turner started on the Right Wing. Joe Knight and James Marwick returned and Sean Jones came in on the bench

Neither team gained the upper hand in the opening exchanges, though Trowbridge showed signs of progress. This did not continue and Swans veteran fly half Phil Graves missed a penalty attempt after 7 minutes. Soon after Swans full back made a good break from his 22 and the move ended with Trowbridge conceding a penalty and this times Graves was successful making the score 0-3. He was against successful from a longer distance after 31 minutes. Trowbridge were unable to penetrate at this time making mistakes and conceding penalties, but soon before the break centre Dave Finlay was able to break through. He look certain to score but was caught just short of the line and Swans cleared. There was another chance in the remaining time when an opening was created but right wing Turner was unable to beat the final defender. The teams turned round with Swans leading 6-0.

Trowbridge started the second half with much more urgency. Dan Smith came on at No 8 and the home side looked more dangerous in the early stages. In the 3rd minute of the half the forwards pressed andforced there way over with Matt Williams getting the touchdown. The forwards had the edge, with Swans able to thwart the Trowbridge efforts by wheeling the scrums. Trowbridge also benefitted from possession in the line out and soon after the first try, skipper Scott Williams went over from a rolling maul deep in the Swans 22. Neither try was converted. The play was disjointed and when a Swans player was yellow carded in seems that Trowbridge might gain an advantage, but at the same time there were a number of stoppages do t o injuries to Swans players. This frustrated the home side and they were unable to get continuity in there play. They did press again and were able to increase there lead when flanker George Cope gained the bal as Trowbridge attacked and went over for a third try to make the score 15-6 but from this point when they seemed to be in a comfortable position, but Swans rallied, and after some pressure and some defensive deficiencies, they created a chance on the left wing and Matt Spencer went over for an unconverted try. Sensing victory Swans threatened to snatch a win in the same manner as they did in their last match at Trowbridge two seasons ago. Trowbridge continued to attack but Pat Adkins intercepted a Trowbridge pass on the Swans 22, and was in the clear. However he did not have the pace and was caught by Ieuan Turner. In the final minutes Trowbridge continued to threaten but they could not score to gain a bonus point. There were further stoppages for Swans injuries and one of them resulted in a yellow card for Trowbridge skipper Scott Williams as Swans second row William Corsie left the field. The remaining few minutes were played out without further score.

Trowbridge were able to benefit for the results with Reading, High Wycombe and Grove all losing and they travel to Grove next Saturday needing to get a result before the remaining matches against teams higher in the table.