SWINDON may have fallen to an eighth consecutive defeat on Saturday, but head coach Sean Lynn believes the losing bonus point at league leaders Old Patesians could be crucial come the end of the season.

The Greenbridge Road side headed to Cheltenham sitting second from bottom in South West One East after a run of seven straight losses.

And while Old Pats are gunning for an immediate return to National Three South-West, Lynn’s side pushed them the all the way in what was an enthralling battle at Everest Road which the hosts prevailed 15-10.

Old Pats raced into a 10-0 lead in the opening 10 minutes, however, Swindon did not let their heads drop with flanker and skipper Mike Thompson leading from the front while veteran fly-half Adam Westall used his nous with some clever kicking.

A try from full-back Josh Jensen pulled Swindon within five points of Old Pats at half-time and then the visitors drew level when lock Jon Mason crashed over in the corner early in second period.

However, Old Pats stretched their winning run to 11 matches with their third try in the final five minutes.

“That one losing bonus point could be crucial for us,” said Lynn, whose side moved up a place in the table with Oxford Harlequins seeing their game against Royal Wootton Bassett postponed.

“The boys were outstanding for 70 minutes against Old Pats, it was just a shame about the opening 10 minutes.

“We are learning a few lessons now and when we get the ball in hand we are a threat.

“Against Newbury (Swindon lost 32-31) we kicked the ball away too often and against Old Centralians (last weekend when Lynn’s side went down 27-13) we knew we should have come away with something from the game.

“On Saturday, we got a losing bonus point at the league leaders and that could be massive come the end of the season.”

As well as Bassett seeing their game at Oxford Harlequins postponed, Swindon College Old Boys saw their title charge in Berks, Buck and Oxon Premier put on ice when their match with Tadley fell foul to the weather, while Supermarine’s Dorset and Wilts One North clash at Bassett 2nd another contest that did not beat the cold snap.