SWINDON College Old Boys’ head coach Martin Lloyd will use this weekend’s game against Drifters as a yardstick to see how far his team have progressed.

Lloyd has labelled the Berks, Bucks & Oxon Premier clash as crucial and thinks it will be one of their tougher matches this season even if they do have home advantage.

“Drifters is a really important game, we played against them last season as they came down with us last year,” said Lloyd.

“Between the two of us we were very balanced and they have been going very well, they’re a good side but we hope to beat them.

“We aren’t taking anything for granted but they are one of those teams that we know if we can beat them then we will do okay.”

The Old Boys go into the game with a perfect record from their opening five games of the season which has seen them sit at the top of the table.

Drifters aren’t too far behind as with this weekend’s visitors occupy second place with four wins and one defeat in the league.

Last time out, Lloyd’s team brushed Didcot aside in a dominant 46-5 win, with tries coming from Bobby Tilling, Joe Smedley, Eoin Crean and two each from Tucker Blinkhorn and Charlie Grabe, as well as conversions from Florin Palcau and Grabe.

Lloyd’s side are keeping an eye on some teams who are going well in the league, one of which is Drifters and has warned complacency could cost his team.

“It’s early days but they are a very good side, they’re very robust , well-organised and well-drilled so it will be tough for us even though we are at home,” added Lloyd.

“They could be a yardstick for us, there are a couple of teams we haven’t played yet that we are keeping an eye on.

“We are keeping an eye on Drifters and everyone else who is doing well, we can’t take anything for granted.

“You can’t afford to in this league, it is a strong league with some good teams in it so it was always going to be competition amongst us.”

Nigel Hire’s Supermarine will aim for a Dorset & Wilts One North triumph over Devizes 2nd, who have lost all six of their opening fixtures.