ALAN Low hailed Royal Wootton Bassett’s complete performance against Marlborough at the weekend, which stretched their unbeaten league run to eight games.

Low’s troops conceded just one try as Bassett raced to a 38-5 victory to keep the pressure on South West One East leaders Newbury Blues, who visit Wiltshire this weekend for a top-of-the-table clash.

The win is Bassett’s 10th this season, and ensures Newbury remain seven points clear at the top of the table after they comfortably beat Oxford Harlequins 30-10 at home.

Tries were shared around the team as Hamish Keith, Ieuan Clements, Scott Douglas, Gavin Ougan, Elye Darragh and Tom Fieldsend all touched down.

Despite chasing unbeaten Newbury, Low insists Saturday’s result proves that his men can deal with the physical nature of the division.

He said: “Saturday was a fantastic performance, the boys were really happy with the result and came off the field feeling like they had played well and executed well.

“We felt there was still a bit more to come after full time – and that’s probably a different feeling to our other games so far this season.

“It was a tough and physical game, but the team coped well and we took the chances that were presented to us.

“Marlborough were very physical. Up front it was a very physical battle, but the guys managed to cope with that.

“Marlborough caused some real damage up front, I think a few of our forwards had some bruised bodies on Monday morning.

“They caused plenty of problems up front, but we were able to play when we were given the opportunities – our back-line were superb.”

Bassett’s season has been dealt a blow with long-term injuries suffered by prolific pair David Hogg and Phil Bardwell.

However, Low has been left impressed by the attitude of the club’s second team players, who – in his opinion – have stepped up to South West rugby well.

He added: “We’re worrying about each week as it comes.

“We’re in a position where David (Hogg) and Phil (Bardwell) are both injured for the rest of the season.

“For the guys to step up and not only fill in for them but also earn positive results has helped put us in a really good place.

“Injuries in the first team has impacted our second team, but our strength in depth is beginning to get there.

“These lads want to play rugby, and it was good to see at the weekend and be a part of.”

Elsewhere at the weekend, Swindon’s poor form continued as they remain winless following defeat Banbury away from home.

Mike Thompson’s men were downed 53-7 in Oxfordshire, their 10th defeat out of 11 league games this season.

Other Wiltshire teams Trowbridge and Chippenham were in action. Trowbridge lost away at Wimborne, while Chippenham comfortably won against county rivals Salisbury at home.