AFTER their week-long break, Swindon College Old Boys returned to action with a 33-22 away win over Slough.

Tucker Blinkhorn crossed the tryline twice, while Florin Palcau, Matthew Allen and Simon Addis all recorded solitary efforts.

Charlie Grabe completed the scoring with the boot as champions College registered their 18th victory in 19 Berks/Bucks & Oxon Premier games this season.

Over half of those tries stemmed from captain Gareth Davis, who picked up four assists.

College had been due to play Risborough last weekend but that game was cancelled as the opposition couldn’t raise a side.

After the week off, fly-half Grabe admits it took his team a little while to get back up to speed.

“It was a bit sluggish to start with because it was a very hot day. We have played Slough twice already this season and put in some good performances against them,” said Grabe.

“They were a much-improved side compared to the two times we played them previously.

“We had an unexpected week off last week and when you have won the league already, it is quite difficult to get in the right frame of mind initially.”

Fourth-placed Slough proved to be stubborn opponents during the first half as the two teams were all-square at 14-14 as they headed back to the changing rooms.

However, adjustments made during the break had the desired effect as College scooped another league win.

“It was tight at half-time and we needed to go back to basics,” added Grabe.

“We were then a lot better in the second half. Fair play to them because they came back into the game towards the end.

“It was already wrapped up within the first 20 minutes so it was a tale of two halves, really.

“It was just good to get the win out of the way because it would have been a shame for us to lose during our last home game.

“We wanted to go unbeaten and obviously that didn’t happen because we slipped up against a very good Drifters side.

“It definitely feels like we are coming towards the end of the season. The weather is changing, which makes you feel as if it is coming to an end.”

Meanwhile in Dorset & Wilts One North, Nigel Hire’s Supermarine claimed a 62-7 win at home to Frome.