SWINDON Shock’s David Colclough admits this season has gone better than he expected as his side sit joint top of the National League Division Four South West heading into the Christmas break.

The player-coach has seen his team lose just twice so far this term, to fellow high-flyers RCT Gladiators and to sixth-placed Plymouth Rebels.

Shock were due to host Exeter Eagles at the weekend but the visitors were unable to raise a side so had to forfeit the fixture.

Reflecting on the season so far, Colclough is more than happy with how it is panning out.

“It’s been good. I would have liked to have won the Plymouth game, that is the only one which sticks out in the back of my head, but other than that I’ve been really pleased,” he said.

“The guys went out last weekend and had some bonding time.

“We will let them have time off now with their families but then we need to get straight back into training after Christmas to make sure we are match fit.

“A lot of people are really going to get into the break. They’re going to be tired and they’ll have a few to drink and a lot to eat, so they will lose their match fitness.”

Colclough is also delighted with how Chris Coles has developed over the course of the season, following his arrival earlier this year.

“I always knew that Spencer (Wells) was a good scorer and he has been nothing short of expectations,” he added.

“But Chris Coles has been really impressive since he came in over the summer.

“He has brought a different level of energy on both sides of the floor. He absolutely loves the game and puts everything into it, which has really helped us a lot.”

Next up for Shock is a home clash with the Oxford Stealers, who are currently propping the league table, on January 14.