SWINDON College Old Boys have a big date at Twickenham in their sights this Valentine’s Day as they continue their cup success.

Mark Lea’s side travel to Abingdon this weekend in the final of the Southern Counties Senior Vase knowing a win would put them one step closer to a trip to the home of English rugby.

Having comfortably disposed of Hungerford with a 94-0 win at home, College know they are in for a tougher test in the final but have already travelled to the Oxfordshire based club and completed a 31-15 victory over their league rivals.

College have several injuries heading into the match with prop Liam Davis, second row Damon Murphy and Grieg O'Brien, who has been playing well at fly Half, all missing.

However Lea has a few returning to the squad in the form of fly half Jamie Park, second row Tommy Farr and back rows Ritchie Smith and Matt McKee.

Lea has tried to keep a lid on the excitement levels at the club on the back of their cup but admitted that it is hard not to get carried away, with the club playing some of the best rugby for years.

“The club is buzzing ahead of the final, we are training well and the previous games have seen us play some of best rugby,” he said ahead of the clash.

“The cup has become a real focus for the lads and I think us coaches are starting to get caught up in it now, the trick is keeping the focus on just the game in front of us.

“The squad is so strong these days that despite being allowed seven subs for the cup games we have had to have hard conversations with many lads who were in contention but did not make the 22 this time.

“I think there is the right level of confidence mixed with knowing they have a job to do amongst the boys.

“The past month has seen a talented squad of individuals bond as a really good team that plays for the correct causes. It is no surprise that this has brought our best rugby for many seasons.”

In league action, Wootton Bassett take their eight-match unbeaten run in Southern Counties North to Thatcham, who are a place below them in the table.

Supermarine go to Walcot in Southern Counties South.