Swindon scrum-half Connal Knott says heavy defeat will not affect them

In their third-to-last assignment of the season, Sean Lynn’s side travel to Berkshire to take on the side currently fifth in South West One East and Swindon’s task will be made all the more difficult by the prospect of tackling Maidenhead’s artificial pitch at Braywick Park.

A depleted Swindon side were hammered 72-19 at league leaders Towcestrians last weekend but with a clutch of key players due to return for Saturday’s trip east, Knott reckons he and his team-mates have a fighting chance of success.

“We had eight first-team players missing last weekend, so a lot of second-teamers had to come into the side but at least they got the chance to see the level that the first team play at – it’s good for us to try and make the gap shorter,” said the Swindon man.

“Maidenhead haven’t lost a lot of games at home and their pitch is probably the reason why.

“Personally, I don’t like playing on it. You get carpet burns and the ball bounces differently. It’s an advantage for them because they’re used to playing on it.

“But we should have some big players back in the side. If our front five can get us the ball and help us play quick rugby, I think we can do well because I think we’ve got the best backs in the league.”

Head coach Sean Lynn added: “We’ll be hoping that the weather is good because when their pitch is dry, it suits us, but when it’s raining, it gets very greasy.

“It will be good to have Ben Saville back, and Adam Dobie too, who looked very good against top-of-the-league last Saturday. Our full-back, Oliver Wilson, is back too and so is Josh Jensen.

“I was very impressed with Towcestrians last weekend and I think they’ll do very well in the league above next season.

“We’ve got three tough games left but they’re exciting matches and we’re looking to try and have a good end to the season.”

Royal Wootton Bassett, Swindon College Old Boys and Supermarine are all without a fixture this weekend.