SLOUGH RFC head coach Darran Brown claims his side have laid down a marker to their rivals with victory over Phoenix on Saturday.

Brown was charged with building a squad capable of challenging for promotion next season when taking over from former Greenies coach Lenny Bovington last month.

He has already instigated wins against Farnham Royal and Phoenix, with Saturday’s success leaving them fifth in Berks, Bucks & Oxon Premier.

Brown says the narrow 15-13 scoreline is not a true reflection of the clash at Tamblyn Fields, and is confident Slough are improving with every game.

Speaking to the Observer, he said: “It was our biggest game of the remainder of the season, being local and putting down a marker as the number one club in Slough.

“After defeat at Bicester, we came back to show what we can do in front of a home crowd.

“It is good to win local derbies because they are always tough for coaches.

“The things we have been working on were evident. We had 70 per cent of possession and played at a slightly higher tempo.

“We put Phoenix on the back foot, and they only got into our half from our own mistakes.

“We played some good entertaining rugby and are enjoying doing it.” Slough won bragging rights over rivals Phoenix thanks to tries from Kevin Dunne, and debutants Curtis Blanchard and Kinter Zvokunzwa. Phoenix responded with two Nigel Coltman penalties and a converted Simon Kalafusz try.

Brown commented: “It was narrow on the scoreboard, but in reality we had a lot more possession and clear cut chances we didn’t take.

“Phoenix stayed in the game as best they could and scored with the final play, but we had three tries disallowed by the referee for not grounding the ball properly.” Slough do not return to league action until March 8, when they face a trip to champions elect Tadley (2.30pm ko).

They could play a friendly in the meantime to maintain match sharpness, and Brown is keen to develop Greenies’ gameplan.

He explained: “The aim to go unbeaten for the remainder of the season is going to be tough, but we want to win as many games as possible to make sure we’re safe.

“Tadley are a very strong side who play a structured game of rugby, but we are certainly a match for anybody.

“We were very much ahead (earlier this season) until we lost our open side and centre. That gave them holes to exploit.

“If we have a fully fit squad, I hope we can give Tadley something to think about.” **PICK up a copy of the Observer, out now, for all the latest sports news and action**