In a tough debut derby clash against Oxford, Swindon St George found themselves on the wrong end of a 64-10 scoreline, but amidst the disappointment, there were rays of positivity shining through.
Richard White, the head coach of Swindon, remained upbeat despite the defeat, highlighting the debut performances of three 17-year-olds who showcased their talent on the field. “They done themselves and the club proud,” he remarked. Additionally, the inclusion of three Masters players provided valuable support, contributing to a total of eight debutants representing the club.
The first half proved challenging for Swindon as Oxford’s Cavaliers capitalized on mistakes, amassing points with clinical precision. However, White noted a significant improvement in the team’s performance during the second half. “When we finally got the ball and fizzed it around, we caused them all sorts of issues and made them look poor,” he commented.
Among the standout performers was Tyler Lehmann, earning the coach’s accolade as the man of the match. Despite being only 17 years old, Lehmann displayed exceptional skill and determination, earning praise for his contributions throughout the game. White highlighted Lehmann’s achievement as the club’s first junior player to progress to the open age category, emphasizing his role as an inspiration for aspiring rugby league enthusiasts.
Looking ahead, the Swindon squad aims to address fundamental errors in preparation for their upcoming fixture against Birmingham Bulldogs at Swindon RFC on Saturday, the 18th of May, with kick-off scheduled for 2:30 pm.
Meanwhile, beyond the derby clash, St George also made their mark at the Brixton Masters RL Festival in London. Despite a mixed bag of results, including a victory over Aldershot and a couple of narrow defeats, the club’s senior section demonstrated resilience and determination on the field.
For those interested in joining or learning more about Swindon St George’s Rugby League activities, whether in the Open Age, Juniors, Masters, or Wheelchair RL categories, enquiries can be directed to swindonstgeorgerl@outlook.com.
