SWINDON College Old Boys are now just three games away from Twickenham following their 41-7 win over Tadley in the Southern Counties Senior Vase final at the weekend.

Florin Palcau and Michael Calvert both crossed the line while Tucker Blinkhorn and Damon Murphy both registered doubles.

But the most pleasing thing for head coach Martin Lloyd was that his team were able to produce a big performance when it matters.

“It was a really good game, we played well and it is probably one of the better games that we have played,” said Lloyd.

“From one to 15 all the way across the field we were excellent and we just went from strength to strength.

“We scored at regular intervals throughout the game, we kept the pressure on all the time as we expected Tadley were strong in their close game around the forwards.

“They took the ball on, they used their big runners and our defence just held firm.

“Our defence held firm because it was layered which was really pleasing to see because it is something we have been working on in training because we knew we’d have to.”

Following their cup success College Old Boys will now face Saltash on Saturday, March 18 who are second in the Tribute Cornwall/ Devon with 15 wins and five defeats from their opening 20 games.

However Lloyd is more than aware his side can’t afford to rest on their laurels if they want to reach the national stadium as it only gets tougher from here.

“The most important thing is if the guys want to carry on in the cup you have got to be stronger because it gets harder and harder,” added Lloyd.

“We’ve had some feedback on them (Saltash) as I am sure they have had some on us but they are a really good attacking side.

“They’re very good counter attackers and are very strong out wide which is something we are aware of.

“From what I have heard they do like to run the ball which is unusual at this level, they play it across the park like we do.”

This weekend, leaders College turn their attention back to Berks, Bucks & Oxon Premier action where they will come up against second-placed Drifters.