Trowbridge are kings of the castle

This was 3rd placed Windsor’s first ever visit to Trowbridge after winning the reverse fixture at their picturesque ground in the shadow of Windsor Castle in November by 22-15. Trowbridge were looking for an improved performance after two difficult away matches at Towcester and Witney. But they seem to be a different side performing in front of a well supported crowd that was boosted by 90 former players attending a pre match lunch that included some who had played as far back as the 1950s. Both sides made late changes with the home side being without Scott Williams and Adam Sullivan.

The visitors started confidently despite having to face quite a strong wind, but Trowbridge were able to avoid going behind during this period, with the only real escape happening when Windsor winger Chris Laidler put a foot in touch while going over the line and was called back by referee Richard James from Hampshire. The scorers were not troubled until Trowbridge skipper Lloyd Davis kicked a penalty after 25 minutes. By this time Trowbridge were applying pressure through their forwards and Davis increased the lead with a further penalty five minutes later. At this stage Trowbridge had an impressive spell. When Flanker Tom Coombs, who was playing in an unfamiliar position of left wing, made a good running line through a wide gap in the Windsor defence, Davis fed the ball to him just outside the Windsor 22 for him to scamper over without being touched. Davis converted to make the score 13-0 and soon after No8 Dan Smith, who had moved to centre while Shai Bonnick was being given attention for a blood injury intercepted a move in the Windsor backs near the half way line. The veteran was clear and just had the pace to beat the chasing Windsor defence to score under the posts and Davis again converted.

During the first half the Windsor backs constantly looked dangerous and they eventually got on the score sheet just being the interval with an elusive run from centre Patrick Birch. The try was converted by Chris Laidler and the entertaining half finished with the score 20-7 in Trowbridge’s favour.

Trowbridge faced the wind in the second half intending to run the ball and they attacked in the early stages. As pressure on the Windsor line built, the Windsor fullback Ben Clift was yellow carded and Davis kicked the resulting penalty, but Windsor came back with a second try from Birch after 10 minutes of the half. Further pressure resulted in Barry Coombs, who was returning after a rib injury several weeks ago, being yellow carded in the red zone. At this stage the Trowbridge forwards were at their best. They had edged the scrums but they were able to prevent any score while their numbers were reduced by holding possession and gradually forcing play to the other end of the pitch. The backs were also involve in making this progress and the lead was increased in the 27th minute when full back Ashley Chalk went over for a try. At this stage high flying Windsor required 3 scores to win. With 9 minutes left when Neil Baggett ended a good move and Laidler converted, but Trowbridge finished on the attack to prevent any further scores to make the final score 28-19 and complete a morale boosting win.

Next week Trowbridge travel to bottom placed Bletchley, who were unable to raise a side to travel to Towcester. Leaders Chippenham just won in a high scoring 41-39 win at Reading, while there were wins for Witney, Maidenhead, Newbury and Swindon.