SWINDON College Old Boys suffered a blow when they lost skipper Greig O'Brien with a broken ankle during a 26-12 win over Painswick 2nd.

The centre was replaced in the first half and what was originally thought to be a twisted ankle was diagnosed as a break.

The Old Boys started strongly, Andy Longmore going over for a try in the 10th minute and Ben Robinson another touchdown 10 minutes later, both converted by John Roberts, to take the visitors into a 14-0 lead.

The home side regrouped after the break and reduced the deficit with a converted try of their own.

College then introduced John Godsell, returning to the fold after a long injury lay-off, and he soon made his way over for a try before both sides had a player sent from the field.

Painswick then made it 19-12 with an unconverted try but they had their hopes of salvaging the game dashed when Longmore went over for his second try, converted by Roberts, to make the game safe for College.

Since withdrawing from Southern Counties South, due to difficulty in fulfilling fixtures, College are unbeaten in a run which includes victories over local rivals Swindon and Wootton Bassett.

They are due to travel to Cheltenham Saracens this Saturday.

SWINDON Nomads beat previously undefeated Wootton Bassett 2nd 25-7 with tries from Pete Brown, David Donohue, Ken Hopkins and Connor Knott, with Hopkins and Rob Staynings kicking the balance of points.

POWERGEN INTERMEDIATE CUP

London/South West 5th round: Camborne v Cleve, Cinderford v Brixham, Gloucester Old Boys v Spartans, Romford & Gidea Park v Havant.

POWERGEN JUNIOR VASE

South West 5th round: Midsomer Norton v Mounts Bay, Nailsea v Bude, Old Redcliffians v Tavistock.

Ties to be played Saturday, January 17.