St George's Day

Swindon St George 64 v Forest Bulldogs 28, West of England Rugby League. Pool 2.

Work took me back to Swindon for an opportune evening game. A trail of destruction on the way down as firstly a lorry stuck under a railway bridge at Burnham….

…and then the bus up to the ground hit a badly parked Nissan Micra.

Swindon normally play at the Supermarine ground, but this was being played at Swindon Rugby club, which is in Swindon itself. In the background is the WH Smith head office.

St George are the second incarnation of Rugby League in Swindon. The Swindon Bulldogs existed from 1982 to 1995 before disbanding. In 2007, St George were set up and have played, mostly in the West of England league, ever since. 

Forest Bulldogs have started this season and are based in the Forest of Dean, sourcing their players from a number of clubs. They have had a mixed season so far. 

The official timekeeper and scorer.

Crowd was given as 36, with Swindon Town playing Swansea affecting the attendance.

This year, St George have a much stronger team, and soon raced into a 20-0 league.

The good thing about evening kick offs here, is the kebab van in the car park.

The half time snack of kings.

Forest Bulldogs were playing in inside out shirts, having turned up in a red and black kit identical to Swindon.

The game finished 62 – 28 to the home side. This year, the West of England league has gained Portsmouth and Southampton from the South East championship. This has meant there are enough teams to have split them into two pools. The top two teams in each pool go into the play offs. This win puts Swindon top of pool 2, with two games to play.