TOM HEEKS has backed Drifters to beat Swindon College Old Boys when the two Berks, Bucks & Oxon Premier leaders clash at One Pin Lane on Saturday March 4.

Drifters suffered a defeat at the hands champions-elect Swindon when the sides last met back in November, but Heeks insists his team learnt a lot and have been licking their wounds ever since.

“I’ve real confidence in the lads because we’ve come together and improved since the start of the season,” the head coach told the Observer.

“We’ve grown from strength and strength and, though Swindon are a good outfit, they’ve not travelled as well as they play at home.

“The club is looking forward to it and it’s a game we would like to win, we aim to do it.

“We plan to get promoted and if the results keep on coming in, it looks like we will.”

Drifters moved closer to second place and promotion this season with a 43-18 win at Abingdon on Saturday.

Josh White was the star of the show with a hat-trick, while Brad Parker, Oliver Levesley, Matt Rabiasz and George Kalinowski also touched down in the win.

“I was really pleased with the performance from start to finish,” Heeks commented. “Abingdon were good hosts as well.

“We played well and I think Abingdon will be safe. Phoenix and Risborough are fighting it out for bottom position.

"In attack we’re starting to play the patterns really well and it’s second nature as well. We don’t have to remind the players how to play them.

“We are bringing a lot of aggression to the defence and it is improving week on week, so as a group we’re really starting to gel and it’s good to watch.”

He added: “We had a draw with Slough but to be eight unbeaten is really good and great for the defence.”