SWINDON St George head coach Ben Whincup hailed his team after a 44-22 victory over Bristol Sonics booked their place in Saturday’s West of England Grand Final.

The hosts started well at Supermarine, taking just two minutes for Ashley Perry to get across the line. Connor Tomley added the extras.

This gave them an early boost as they continued to put pressure on the visitors, allowing Richard White to power over the line. Tomley again hit the conversion.

With the score at 12-0, Swindon pushed for their third try of the match, with Liam Rowe crossing and Tomley putting the gloss on the score.

Bristol finally came into the contest through George Burnie's converted score.

The visitors then made it 18-12 with another try and conversion from Dom Swann.

However, St George stretched their lead when Rowe skipped over for his second of the match.

Swindon’s Perry registered his second try of the game meanwhile Tomley continued his 100 per cent kicking record as his team went in 30-12 at the break.

After the interval, Bristol pulled 10 points back just after the hour mark to make the score 30-22.

However, Sam Williams and Ash Brown scored a try each, with Tomley contributing another four to seal a 44-22 win and a place in the final, where they face Portsmouth.

Coach Whincup was delighted to see his boys triumph, but was even more pleased with their display.

“I couldn’t be happier. It was perfect to beat a team as good as Bristol. I didn’t expect it. Bristol are a quality outfit,” said the Swindon boss.

“Our defence were brilliant but so was our attack. All-round, it was a great performance. It was everything we worked on in training.

“It’s going to be tough. Portsmouth have only lost twice this season but if we play like we did at the weekend, we could bring the trophy home.”