SWINDON College Old Boys used their second-team clash with Avonvale to give game time to a number of players returning from injury.

Old Boys were without a first-team fixture over the weekend, but the Dorset & Wilts 2 North visit of Avonvale provided the perfect stage for the likes of Charlie Grabe, Toby Haynes and Tommy Farr gain valuable minutes as they target Southern Counties North comebacks in the coming weeks.

Chairman Martin Peaple was pleased to see the trio in action once again, despite College losing 12-8.

“It wasn’t a bad game.

“It was a bit wet and a bit sticky, which didn’t make for nice rugby, but it was a good game, we had a good crowd out and we had a good team out because the firsts weren’t playing,” he said.

“There were a couple who came back. Charlie Grabe, who’s coming back from injury, had a run-out and got through okay. Toby Haynes had a run-out and Adam Archer, who’s been away for quite a while, came back but unfortunately now has cracked his forearm.

“They stretched their legs and Tommy Farr, who hasn’t got a few games in lately, had a run-out as well.”