JOHN Spandley is immensely proud of Slough after a scratch side went down fighting in a 41-24 defeat at Tadley on Saturday.

The Greenies were down to the bare bones for the trip across Berkshire, so much so that assistant coach Spandley took over the reigns from absent head coach Darran Brown, and at 55-years-old named himself as cover for the front row.

However, they battled high-flying Tadley to the last and, had it not been for questionable decisions from the officials, could even have won the match.

“The scoreline really doesn’t reflect just how well all the boys played to be honest. It really was one of the most pleasing games to watch from a Slough perspective,” Spandley told the Observer.

“If the officials’ mistakes in the game were turned around we could have won it or at least come away with two bonus points, so I’m really proud.

“I had a word with the boys and told them they had done exactly what I had asked, more even, and they fought all the way which was really pleasing. I’m proud of the boys.

“The way we played on Saturday I would start every one of them against Abingdon and target five points because I think we can turn them over.

“Our last performance proves we can do that.”

The defeat sees Slough remain in eighth place in the BBO Premier table before Abingdon visit Tamblyn Fields on April 2.