SWINDON College Old Boys have enjoyed a flying start to life in the Berks, Bucks & Oxon Premier Division and that has been put down to a change in mentality, according to head coach Mark Lea.

The College now boast a 100 per cent record from their first four games in all competitions, after running riot against local rivals Cricklade in the Dorset & Wilts 1st XV Vase, emerging 70-0 victors.

The club has undergone many changes since dropping down from the Southern Counties North division and now they are getting more than 40 players to training every week, the mood of the squad is high.

“Obviously, dropping down the league has been an influence, but the great start is mostly down to the whole club’s change in attitude,” said Lea.

“The committee have really stepped up this season and are offering real support to the coaches and the squad. This team culture has had a real affect on the players and morale, and this in turn has brought a fresh energy to training and availability, which is having rewards on the pitch.”

College face their biggest test so far on Saturday when they travel to Gosford All Blacks and will be without influential centre Stuart Knight (hamstring) and number eight James McLaughlin (shoulder), with Joshua Haynes and Mathew McKee being brought in to replace them.

“It is still too early in the season to tell who in the league is strong,” added Lea.

“Gosford have lost two out of three, however they have played two of the teams that are currently unbeaten and only lost by narrow margins.

“Gosford are always a combative team to play against and we fear that if our boys approach the game thinking it will be as easy as the cup game last weekend, we may be disappointed.

“This weekend is a real test and I think we will know by the end of Saturday where we stand in terms of progress.

“We have working hard on improving our kick returns and our kick chases and also looking to get the lads to build through the phases to break down better sides like Gosford.”