FIRST-TEAM coach Stuart Roberts hopes a few defensive tweaks can ensure Royal Wootton Bassett are not ‘glossed’ over for the second week running in South West One East tomorrow.

Bassett saw a highly promising opening 40 minutes of the season, in which they led 17-3, turned on its head in the second half of an eventual 36-17 defeat at Old Centralians in their campaign opener last week.

With another Gloucestershire side, Old Patesians, the first league visitors to Ballards Ash this season tomorrow, Roberts reckons his squad must build on the positive aspects of their first competitive hit-out, while working on the deficiencies that cost them dear on matchday one.

Patesians finished third in the table last season and Roberts admitted: “It’s another tough game for us at the weekend and we’ve got a few things to work on in terms of our defence and our line speed.

“We’re not the biggest of teams so it’s important we get off the (defensive) line early and shut down those big ball carriers.

“There are a few areas of defence we need to look at, including slowing down ball for the opposition, while our decision making is something else.

“We need to build on those positives and we had a video session to show the boys this week.’’ Swindon were also first-day losers last week, but they can kick-start their league campaign when they host Marlow at Greenbridge Road tomorrow.

The rest of the league system also gets under way this weekend and last season’s Berks, Bucks & Oxon Premier Division champions Swindon College Old Boys face a lengthy trip to Blandford for their first game in Southern Counties South.

Supermarine are also on the road for their opening Dorset & Wilts One North clash, but tit’s a short trip for the South Marston men, who head to Swindon 2nd.