BRISTOL SONICS A – 26
T: Craig Burgess, Johan Schoeman, Jack Gibson, Will Tobin 2
G: James Bennett 3 (from 5)
SWINDON ST GEORGE -20
T: Milo Hartley, Richard White, James Slatter, Chris Kent
G: James Slatter 2 (from 4)

Swindon St George did not start the game in good fashion as they lost possession in the first tackle putting themselves under pressure straight away. However they held out Bristol with very aggressive defence, although sometimes too aggressive as they gave away early penalties. Bristol kept attacking but it took 7 minutes of constant pressure to break Swindon’s line with a short-range, converted, try.

Swindon gained some possession after a series of penalties against Bristol for offside. St George created some good chances with one break from Greig O’Brien looking certain to get Swindon on the board but somehow he was held up over the line. Eventually the pressure told, with quick thinking half-back, Milo Hartley, forcing his way over after taking a quick tap penalty.

Things got even better for the visitors four minutes later, when, following great lead up play, James Slatter crossed the whitewash out wide to put Swindon into the lead.

Bristol regained the advantage on the half hour only to see their lead disappear in less than a minute following a close range try. Swindon captain Richard White noticed a gap in Bristol's defence so took a quick tap penalty and dived over the line.

At the end of a very eventful and spicy first half, including an appalling cheap shot on Swindon fullback Liam Rowe, Bristol scored again to make it 16-14 at the break.#

The Sonics extended their lead early in the second period after a kick was caught in the wind, bounced freakishly and was collected by the home side. The converted try made it 22-14 to Bristol.

Swindon rallied and after a series of chances got themselves back within two points thanks to a fine try out wide by Chris Kent. The Swindon hooker collected a loose ball, threw a dummy before racing over from about 20 metres. The touchline conversion was brilliantly kicked by James Slatter.

After a long period of both defences dominating, Bristol scored to give them a six-point advantage. Swindon threw everything at Bristol’s defence including an early kick in the tackle count. Gwyn Jenkins raced through but was unable to collect the ball after a terrible bounce.

Swindon kept the pressure on Bristol but despite several late chances for St George the Sonics held out for victory.

Swindon captain Richard White was disappointed with the result but proud of his team. “We played some great rugby both in attack and defence and with a better bounce of the ball could have won it. We have work to do in training to improve some aspects but we take a lot of positives from this game.”

MOTM Awards:
Bristol Sonics – Will Tobin. Swindon St George – Richard White

Other West of England Results
Cheltenham Old Pats 24-25 Oxford Cavaliers
Somerset Vikings 28-26 Gloucestershire Warriors

Next Fixture – Swindon St George vs Somerset Vikings – Saturday 18 May @ 2.30