SWINDON skipper Mike Thompson believes that Saturday’s 12-6 win at basement side Oxford Harlequins is a turning point in their season.

The Greenbridge Road side headed along the A420 on the back of four successive defeats, while their hosts were left reeling from a 77-0 defeat to Royal Wootton Bassett the previous weekend.

However, Quins, who Thompson said are now back to full strength, gave Swindon an almighty battle leaving the skipper happy that his side now have a weekend off due to cup competitions.

“Harlequins have had a rocky start to the season, like us, and against Bassett they were without a load of players because of a stag do and had been missing a load of players through injury in their other matches,” the openside flanker said.

“Against us though, they were back to full strength and they gave us a hell of a match.

“The lads all put their bodies on the line for Swindon and were so happy to get the win.

“I’m sure that the boys were all sore after Saturday – I haven’t been able to lift my head above my shoulders – so it is good that we have got a week off.

“We spoke before the game about the importance of it. We knew that if we lost then we would have been dragged into a relegation battle, but a win would be the turning point for us.

“The lads knew that we needed a win, we had to come away with the points so it was pleasing that everyone was on the same page from the start.

At Marston Ferry Road, veteran fly-half Adam Westall went over for a try, which he converted himself, while wing Ollie Wilson also crossed the whitewash for the visitors. Quins could only respond with a brace of penalties.

The win lifts Swindon up to 11th in the table and they return to action on October 22, when they welcome Reading to Greenbridge Road.

Meanwhile, Swindon’s second team also claimed their second win of the season as they defeated their Bassett counterparts 13-12 at Ballards Ash in Dorset and Wilts One North.