WITH the Rugby World Cup in full swing, a determined Slough have made their mark on the new season following a 46-12 win against Chipping Norton on Saturday.

The Greenies made a disappointing start to the campaign, losing a derby match at Chesham and an early exit from the Bucks Bowls, and so were desperate to record a first win.

Inspired by the World Cup, Slough were too good for their Tamblyn Fields visitors, boasting a good team performance and much improved patterns of play.

Chipping Norton made an attacking start, but the Greenies soon retaliated and used the back line well to allow Sam Row to cross the line and open the scoring.

Joe Sole added the conversion.

The game soon became about kicking for territory at the penalties with many lineouts, before a pass to James Flisher ended in a successful score. Sole again booted the extras.

More stop-start play carried on the kicking game until a change of tactics saw Sole take a kick at goal to add a further three points.

With minutes to go before the half-time interval, the away team pushed closer towards Slough’s line and crossed it to close 17-7 behind.

Early in the second period, a defensive move from the hosts forced Chipping Norton into touch before a pass down the line took Daniel Rendall over the whitewash.

The conversion was added by Sole.

Frequent penalties were still being awarded which allowed the visitors to carry the ball over the Greenies line for the second time though the conversion was missed.

Craig Fullicks was next over the line and the try was successfully converted by Sole.

Bolstered by a good lead, Slough played a strong game looking to lengthen their lead even further and it took foul play from Chipping Norton to stop them.

A penalty try soon followed for the Greenies and Sole again split the posts with his conversion attempt.

An effort from Johnny Spandley followed immediately, a fine 60-metre run before chipping an opponent and going on to score.

The conversion was missed.

With time running out a good team effort including Rowe, Matt Fenwick and Sion Street nearly accounted for another score, but again foul play stopped the attempt.

Instead it allowed Sole one last kick at goal to add another three points to Greenies’ first win of the season.

Slough travel to Crowthorne this Saturday (3pm). The home team were promoted from the Berks, Bucks & Oxon Championship last season and have only recorded one point so far this year.