Dorset & Wilts Div 2 North

Royal Wootton Bassett II 26

Cricklade 36

CRICKLADE just came out on top in a typically intense local derby during which tempers occasionally flared.

No quarter was asked for or given, but after just a few minutes Cricklade went ahead thanks to an RWB indiscretion that resulted in a penalty. Bassett responded a few minutes later with a try by a runner from deep who crashed the last line of defence to score close to the posts, making the conversion kick a formality.

Cricklade then hit back themselves with a score from Waite, courtesy of Rhys Mills.

With their noses 10-7 in front, Cricklade came out for the second half with their tails up and soon added another seven points when Mills stole a pass following an RWB line-out and off-loaded to Waite who dabbed the ball down under the bar before completing the kick himself.

The partnership between Mills and Waite continued to prosper; Mills forcefully broke through the Bassett defence before passing to Waite who crossed the line under the bar.

Bassett were not about to give up, however, and kept pressing, but Cricklade were in the chair and the game was theirs to lose.

They nearly did as the match went through a tense phase with minor scuffles breaking out and RWB scoring when the visitors failed to contest a loose ball.

Crickade replied with another Waite try, this time, though, it was Nick Bond who was the provider. Bassett responded again following their line-out with a powerful drive and then repeated that manoeuvre when they overturned the previously comfortable Cricklade scrum and powered over the line with an awesome drive.

Due to missed conversion chances the difference was down to just three points and the visitors were looking uncertain.

But from the restart, Dan Bowen got his reward. After chasing what looked a hopeless cause, he collected a bouncing ball and passed to Mills whose momentum carried him over the line and under the bar.

Waite added the other points to give the visitors a clear, but closely-contested victory.