Report by Royal Wootton Bassett.
Outgunned Bassett Sunk by Services Late On

Royal Wootton Bassett opened their home programme with a tough looking match against recently relegated Devonport Services who are based in Plymouth and maintain a traditional association with the Royal Navy.On a bright sunny day Bassett kicked off against a strong cross-field wind backed by a large crowd attending the annual beer and burger festival. Bassett had the best of the early exchanges but were conceding penalties. Devonport’s first attack saw them awarded a penalty which was kicked to touch.
There were two further phases with the visitors pace in the backs becoming clear. The pressure led to a sixth-minute score in the right corner and a superb conversion saw Devonport take an early 7-0 lead.
Bassett then had a period of territorial advantage but a swift breakout took the Devon men up the field. A move along the backs so the score in the left corner. The conversion was missed. Bassett then took the game to the opposition and had a really good spell when winger Chris Toon went over the line. Fly-half Rhys Floyd struck the conversion to reduce the deficit to 12-7.
Devonport took the initiative camping in the Bassett 22 for 10 minutes. Bassett failed to clear on several occasions and were punished when Devonport drove over for a converted try to lead 19-7. That score remained until the interval with both sides having chances.
Bassett were hopeful they could turn things around with the conditions now favouring them. However, in the 47th minute Devonport kicked the ball to the corner. The lineout was won and a series of forwards saw them extend their lead with an unconverted try for the bonus point. Bassett certainly weren’t giving up and a period of pressure saw veteran prop Phil Bardwell held up.

Play was held up and following another drive the ball was fed to winger Charlie Brook who unselfishly fed back inside to Bardwell who scored. The conversion was missed. This swung the Services side into action and a superb spell of rugby saw two tries in quick succession to put the game virtually out of sight for the home side.

However, Bassett were still working hard. A great break by Brook saw the ball passed to centre and skipper Sean Marsden who broke a couple of tackles. A superb one-handed offload saw Floyd pop up to dive over near the post. He added the conversion.

As the minutes ticked by Bassett knew the result was away from them and started to run the ball in an unsuccessful attempt to claim the bonus point for a fourth try. Devonport added two late tries to complete a comprehensive victory