SWINDON College Old Boys head coach Mark Lea believes his side should be top of the league despite seeing them fall to a third narrow defeat of the season.

Despite having 12 first-team players missing through injury, College fought hard but came up just short as they fell to a 50-46 defeat away to Bletchley.

Tries from Eoin Crean, Michael Calvert, Charlie Grabe, Ash Brown, Bruce Vuetanatotoka and substitute Joe Smedley were not enough for the visitors as a late penalty try snatched away the victory.

Lea was left with mixed emotions after the game but, with three bonus-point defeats in their first season in the Southern Counties North, he has plenty to be optimistic about.

“I was with the second team game on Saturday (a 21-29 defeat at home to Combe Down II) but the reports I got said we really gave it a go and should have taken the victory yet again,” said Lea.

“For me we should be sat top of the league with three wins.

“(Director of rugby) Martin Lloyd said that their (Bletchley’s) pack was strong but our backs had the edge and a late penalty try for them gave them the win.

“We need a win. Winning is a habit and so is losing - the lads need to feel a victory to start a positive trend.

“Our defence has to improve - we are shipping too many tries against.

“We had 12 first-team squad members unavailable - our entire back line, bar one, had to change with number eight Ash Brown moving to centre.

“This is impacting results but, on the other side, I am really pleased our squad is good enough to still compete.”