THE prospect of playing a part in this weekend’s clash with Newbury Blues is exactly what tempted Gary Williamson to leave his role as Wootton Bassett skipper and make the switch to local rivals Swindon.

The forward made the move to Greenbridge Road this summer in bid to improve himself, and has performed well as his new side moved to the top of the South West 1 East table after two good wins.

Things are set to get a lot tougher tomorrow when former National League powerhouse Newbury Blues visit Greenbridge Road, but Williamson is just pleased to be involved having been playing Southern Counties rugby last season.

“We have started really well, and going away and getting such a good win at Marlow last weekend was great for us,” he said “Everyone has such a positive attitude, and we are playing some fast flowing rugby which is what I came here for.

“Playing against teams like Newbury is exactly why I came here to Swindon, and I can’t wait to get out on the field for the game.

“We are playing well at the start of the season, and if we keep that up there is no reason why we can’t go out there and get another win.”

Williamson has enjoyed his first few weeks as a Swindon player, but told the Advertiser it was a tough decision to make the move from Bassett.

“I really wanted to push myself to play at a higher standard of rugby, and Swindon offered me the chance to do that,” he said.

“I wasn’t an easy decision because I really enjoyed my time at Bassett, so it took me a little while to decide, but I am sure it was the right decision.

“All of the guys at Bassett were very supportive of my decision, and I haven’t spoken to anyone there who hasn’t wished me well.

“An ambition of mine is to try and push into the county set-up, and I think Bassett are playing at too low a level to allow me to do that, and I needed to move up a bit.

“Swindon are playing really good attractive rugby, and that is something that I really wanted to be a part of.”