New recruit Joe brings spark (From Swindon Advertiser)

New recruit Joe brings spark

6:00am Friday 2nd November 2012 in Rugby By Andy Warren

SWINDON College Old Boys boss Martin Peaple is hoping new recruit Joe Gill can provide a much-needed spark at fly-half as his side host Phoenix tomorrow.

The signing from Wootton Bassett will start at 10 against the Buckinghamshire side in place of veteran Mark Williams, as the club look to build on their 27-5 victory away at Littlemore the previous week.

Peaple was quick to pay tribute to Williams’ performance over the last few years, but is hopeful Gill can give his side the push they need to move up the Berks/Bucks & Oxon Premier table.

“We have had Mark Williams at fly-half for us for years now, and in that time he has been absolutely outstanding and has been very committed,” he said.

“But he is becoming one of the old boys here now, at a time where the game is getting quicker and out team is getting younger.

“We are pleased to have Joe, and hopefully he can come into the team and get the backs moving, because in recent years our forwards have been our main weapon, with the backs just picking up what comes out from there.”

Peaple knows his side are in for a tough game against a team fighting at the top of the table, but believes now is the perfect time for Old Boys to show they deserve to be fighting for promotion.

“Phoenix have brought in a lot of players since last season,” he said.

“Maybe they have come from a higher level or maybe the team have a little bit of money, but whatever it is they will be very tough.

“We want to be in the top five, so we need to win this game to make sure we are up there at the end of the season.”

Old Boys expect to welcome back James McLaughlin from injury while Greg O’Brien starts again at centre, but they will have to do without both Sean and Andy O’Rourke and Ross Saville who are all ill.