TEAM manager Jakob Kauusberg admits that the loss of Swindon St George’s unbeaten record earlier this month has knocked the stuffing out of their season.

After beginning the new West of England campaign with two straight victories, Swindon were stunned by Southampton Spitfires in their opening home fixture a fortnight ago and they continued on the losing trail on Saturday when they went down 38-12 at near neighbours Oxford Cavaliers.

Stuart Doughty and Sam Williams both got over the try line for Ben Whincup’s side, with Conor Tomley converting on each occasion, but Oxford always seemed to have a handle on the game.

Kauusberg said: “We’re disappointed but I think the scoreline was a fair reflection of the game.

“I think we put in a good effort against a good side, and we gave them a decent game in parts but they were just a little bit too strong for us overall.

“The result is not what we wanted but we’re pleased with the attitude the players put in. They kept playing until the final whistle and showed some real pride in the shirt.

“The loss against Southampton was a really big shock and it dented our confidence a bit but we have now got to look to go into the second half of the season with renewed belief.”

The defeat leaves Swindon down in third in the Pool 2 table, six points behind leaders Cheltenham Phoenix, a side St George thrashed 44-14 away from home at the start of the month.

Swindon will be looking to return to winning ways this weekend when they travel to league newcomers Forest Bulldogs, who have just one win from four matches so far this term, on Saturday.

“We are hopeful of putting in a good performance this weekend,” added Kauusberg.

“We are not really looking at the table at the moment. We are just looking to the next game and trying to get our season going again.”

St George’s second team return to action this weekend when they take on Reading Raiders.