THERE were no signs of rustiness from Swindon as they continued their fight against the South West One East drop with an important 24-17 win at home to fellow strugglers Windsor.

Despite a week off, Sean Lynn’s side maintained their ascent away from the bottom two with their fourth win in their last five outings, courtesy of a brace from Jordan Sheppard.

With a strong wind at Greenbridge Road, Swindon opted to play into the conditions in the first half and the visitors capitalised with an early converted score.

However, the hosts were back on level terms when a lineout routine led to Troy Badenski crashing over, Adam Westall converting.

Windsor restored their lead when a poor chip forward was pounced on and run back for a try under the posts.

When Sheppard stepped in off the dead ball line down the left, he was able to cut the arrears to two points before a penalty gave Windsor a five-point lead at the break.

Despite having a try disallowed in the second half, with the wind on their backs, Swindon took control when Sheppard went over for his second of the game.

Oli Wilson secured the points as Swindon defended their own 22 stoutly before Ben Hodgson broke up the play and Wilson produced a fine kick and chase to go over in the corner and wrap up the vital win.

“I was delighted,” said Lynn. “It was an important win and that was the message all week in the build-up, especially after that week off.

“We played against the wind in the first half and we were only five points behind at the break so I was very confident that the wind was going to get us into places, especially when you have got a player like Adam Westall who can put you in the right areas of the pitch.

“The boys played well, they defended well and I was happy with it.”