Swindon's unbeaten run of 27 league games was halted by Southern Counties North leaders Beaconsfield.

Within minutes Swindon were under pressure and defending their own line, but the defence held firm. For the first 15 minutes the game was a stalemate, with the ball being moved from one end of the pitch to the other.

Swindon were the first to break the deadlock. After a well executed lineout, the ball was quickly recycled and Jimmer Courtney sent the ball out to the backs, Adam Westall created the space with a dummy move in the centre and allowed Mark Buckingham to run the last 15 metres virtually unopposed and dived to score under the posts. Adam Westall converted to give Swindon the lead.

Beaconsfield replied after 10 minutes when the ball was recycled a number of times and the No 8 took a short ball from the scrum half and dived through to score. Unfortunately for Beaconsfield their kicker was not having a good day and missed the easy conversion.

Swindon continued to attack the excellent Beaconsfield defence, and came close on a couple of occasions, only to be held out by the home side. With minutes to play of the first half, Beaconsfield broke away and scored wide out in the corner, but again missed the conversion. Beaconsfield led 10 - 7 at half time.

The game continued to swing from end to end in the second half. Swindon were knocked back each time an attack got close, with either the last pass not going to hand or a minor infringement preventing a score.

With only about ten minutes remaining Beaconsfield finally stretched Swindon's defence to breaking point and the left winger scored in the corner to give the home side a 15-7 lead.

Swindon fought desperately to get back into the game, but lost possession and allowed Beaconsfield to score a converted try under the posts just before the final whistle. The return league match at Swindon is on December 16.

Swindon seconds game was cancelled. The thirds played Aldbourne and won 97-0. The Vets & Guests played Gosford All Blacks and won 49 -0.