TEAM manager Jakob Kauusberg is optimistic that Swindon St George can get themselves back into the winners’ enclosure again before the end of the season.

St George have triumphed just once so far this term – a 42-16 success over Somerset Vikings back in May – and their last five fixtures have all ended in defeat.

However, St George turned in their best performance for some time in a slender 28-24 loss at home to Bristol Sonics A on Saturday and that has given Kauusberg hope of signing off the season with a win in their final fixture at home to Cheltenham Phoenix on August 8.

“It’s been a bit of a mixed bag this season,” said Kauusberg.

“We have really struggled with injuries, and I know a lot of the other teams have in the South West division as well. We were the only sides to be able to get a game on at the weekend.

“We’ve been disappointed with the results this year but we have brought a lot of new faces in and we are looking forward to the future and what we can do next season now.

“I have been away so didn’t go to the game at the weekend and I was really surprised when I heard the result and how close it was, so the guys must have all performed really well.

“Our next game is in two weeks’ time against Cheltenham so we will go there with confidence after doing so well in this game and look to finish the season on a positive note.”

Saturday’s contest was a tight affair throughout, although the decisive move came midway through the second half when Sonics pulled 24-14 clear, with the 10-point deficit proving too much to overcome.

St George scored five tries on the day with Scott Neary, Liam Rowe, Ben Bridson, Charlie Cox and John Symons all touching down.