ROYAL Wootton Bassett coach George Loughlin is adamant a win against Old Centralians this weekend will put the icing on his side’s cake as the South West One East season draws to a close.

Bassett face Old Centralians at home this weekend (3pm), and a win would see them leapfrog their Gloucestershire rivals in the league standings, with the bonus of moving up as far as fifth – depending on other results.

The rivalry between both teams stretches back more than 40 years, and Loughlin is keen to win the latest battle on home soil.

He said: “There are a lot of people from both clubs that know each other, it will be a tough game.

“They’re a team that are much better at home. They’ve won most home games but we have home advantage on Saturday and will be looking to make the most of that.

“Winning and earning a final spot in the top half of the league would be the icing on the cake for this season.”

Aside from missing skipper David Hogg, who Loughlin has decided to rest after picking up an injury against Grove two weeks ago, Bassett will take to the field with a full-strength team.

“David is back but won’t play on Saturday,” confirmed Loughlin.

“Players do need a break at the end of the season. Taking that time off to re-charge the batteries is important.

“Even at this level, rugby is a physical sport and injuries need time to recover.”

Reflecting on the season, Loughlin admitted 2017/18 has been a case of ‘what could’ve been’ as his men sit mid-table with neither promotion or relegation to fight for.

A positive points difference of 66 hasn’t been matched with a high win ratio – 12 wins have been recorded from the club’s 25 matches.

Loughlin said: “We are a fair bit off the top three teams, they deserve their place up there.

“But we’ve been unlucky and thrown away some key games.

“I’d like to keep most of the squad together over the summer. Next year is about being competitive at the top end of the league.

“We’re pleased with this season and have some new lads coming through the system that want to progress.

“But things like this do not happen overnight.”

Swindon end their campaign with home clash against Grove.

In Southern Counties South, Swindon College bring the curtain down on their season by entertaining Blandford and Supermarine host Swindon 2nd in Dorset & Wilts One North.