SWINDON St George skipper Connor Tomley believes his team has the ability to win Pool A of the South West Rugby League following a positive pre-season.

Tomley’s men tied with Cardiff on the road before losing against a talented Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) side at home.

St George’s pre-season campaign ended with the club’s first win of 2018 at home to Cardiff, and the confidence boosting performance has stood Swindon in good stead ahead of their opening league match at home to Bath this afternoon (2.30pm).

Tomley said: “Pre-season has been good.

“We had three tough games. They were eye-openers, the games woke everyone up and made sure we’re switched on for the season ahead.

“REME are 10 times better than any team we’ll face this season, that was a good experience for us.

“We want to progress as a team.

“We have confidence that we can wrap the pool up and win.

“We’ve lost a couple of guys to injury in our pre-season games, but they will be back.

“The new boys we’ve welcomed have settled in and done well.

“Everyone is happy.”

St George have retained large parts of last season’s successful team, and Tomley admits having a group that are familiar with each other has made his role as captain easier.

Tomley took over the captain’s armband last year during St George’s game against Bath, making today’s contest one the home skipper wants to win.

He said: “Going from last year, Bath are a young side and we shouldn’t expect much from them physically.

“But we don’t know, things can change and they will travel with some good talent in their side.

“We’ve got a tough pool. Somerset look good, as do Bristol.

“Being captain has been good but difficult.

“I’ve got to concentrate a little more and there are more responsibilities.

“But we have a team that has clicked well and that make things easier.”