Sunday 18th May 2008
TELFORD RAIDERS 66 SWINDON ST GEORGE 6
St George suffered defeat at Telford but, as with last week’s home loss by Coventry, the score line does not tell the whole story. The first half was a fairly even affair, Swindon’s Greg O’Brien crossing over to seal a fine personal performance which later earned him the ‘Visitors’ Man of the Match’ award. However the home side’s superior fitness, together with their much more extensive experience in Rugby League took its toll in the second period, the Raiders putting themselves out of sight with a series of eye-catching tries.
It was a somewhat feisty affair, as illustrated by Neil Greenwood’s 10 minute sin-binning, awarded for the Swindon half back’s swift retaliation to an apparent head butt and further evidence of Saints’ need to build up their fitness levels was provided by the number of muscular injuries suffered by the visitors.
Swindon coach Geoff Norris was keen to take positives out of the game, pointing out that heads never dropped, even during the home side’s golden second half period. “Every one is determined to learn from this and with several League debutees in their number, the squad have already proved themselves to be quick learners”, said Norris, adding “And once we get the fitness levels right, which we will, our skills will really come to the fore. Somebody soon is going to feel our full force!”
SWINDON ST GEORGE SQUAD: Ashley Brown, Frank George, Greg Izon, Chris Morton, Josh Haines, Neil Greenwood, Stuart Gommershall, Richard Davis, Russell Trotman, Greg O’Brien, Darren Townsend, John Barrett, Tom Birnie, Kevin Baker, Rich Davis, Martin Wakeley, Terry Martin, James Hackett
Next week St George take a break from the pressures of Conference football to entertain Southampton Spitfires at Highworth Road in a ‘cross region’ challenge. Spectators as always are more than welcome to enjoy the action, along with the bar facilities at the Supermarine Club and the pitch side barbeque provided by club sponsor Francis George, Solicitor-Advocate.