SWINDON College Old Boys began 2017 as they ended 2016 - with a convincing win.

The 43-15 victory over Abingdon maintains their faultless record as they sit at the top of Berks/Bucks and Oxon Premier table with 54 points from 11 matches, 17 points ahead of second-placed Drifters.

Despite the victory, head coach Mark Lea admits there is plenty for his side to work on as they look to find top form again following the break.

“It was a comprehensive bonus-point victory. In the first half, we played some good rugby,” said Lea.

“In the second half, we looked a bit rusty, so we can improve but a bonus-point win is a bonus-point win.

“We still won the second half, we just took our foot off the pedal and stopped playing with the structure.

“Our lineout was poor on Saturday so we will definitely be working on that in training this week.”

Having won all of their matches so far, Lea acknowledges complacency is something that he doesn’t want to derail College's season.

He also said that much of the work the club are doing is in preparation for a return to Southern Counties level, should they be promoted at the end of the campaign.

“Complacency is a worry. In previous years, when we have looked like we are going to be promoted, we took our foot off the pedal towards the end of the season,” said Lea.

“We are constantly setting targets for the players and we are trying to create a mindset where it isn’t about this season.

“For us, success is if we are ready for the league above. If we get promoted, it's about if we can stay around the middle of the table or above next year.

“Success isn’t winning the league this year or doing well in the cup. In terms of the coaches, we are hammering home that the focus is being ready next year.

“Even now we are working on the fitness for next year and making sure the way we play will stand us in good stead.”

Next up for College is a visit from seventh-placed Tadley as they look to make it a dozen wins in a row.