Gosford All blacks went down 50-42 to Swindon College Old Boys in a pulsating Berks, Bucks & Oxon Premier Division encounter at Stratfield Brake.

Swindon pulverised the home side in the first half with seven tries caused by direct running close to the rucks and scrums, going in 43-10 up at the break.

Gosford’s points came via a Liam Beesley try converted by Tim Ellis, who also landed a penalty.

Coach Alec Smith read the riot act at half-time and sparked an amazing comeback by the home side which produced tries for Tommy Newell, Andy Buckingham (2), Eugene Griffin (2) and Rob Eynon.

It almost proved enough, but in the end, Gosford’s poor first-half showing was the decisive factor.

Harwell went down 21-10 at Broadmoor Staff after conceding an early breakaway try.

Harwell hit back when Tom Eaton scored a try on the stroke of half-time, Dave Beaven’s conversion making it 7-7 at the break.

The half-time break halted Harwell’s momentum, and some indecision saw one of the Broadmoor centres dribble the ball soccer style from the halfway line to score.

Beaven replied with a penalty to reduce Harwell’s deficit to 14-10, but a well-worked try decided the game for Broadmoor.