SWINDON College Old Boys director of rugby Martin Lloyd says that it was a hard decision to pull the plug on their Dorset and Wilts Intermediate Cup quarter-final clash at North Dorset.

The Pipers Way outfit, who won the D&W Senior Vase last season and were three games away from Twickenham, said that they had picked up a number of injuries during their 35-0 home loss to Trowbridge in Southern Counties South.

The Berks, Bucks and Oxon Premier Division champions are determined to remain at Southern Counties level this term after their last foray – which was in the North section – saw them relegated after just one season.

“It was a shame. We had people looking forward to it but we just couldn’t go ahead – we had a lack of numbers through injuries and unavailablities,” Lloyd said.

“Our physios are doing a fantastic job but they are working overtime.

“Over the last few years we have been yo-yoing between the leagues and our priority is to stay at Southern Counties.

“So rather than take a side that is struggling with injuries to North Dorset, we decided to make the call.

“Having gone up a level this season, the attitude is totally different. The games are a lot harder and we need to make sure that we are consistent.”

Supermarine had their place in the semi-final of the Senior Vase confirmed prior to the weekend after their Dorset and Wilts One North rivals Bradford on Avon conceded the match.