Dorset & Wilts Div One North

Cricklade 24

Pewsey Vale 20

CRICKLADE gained a late winning try against old rivals Pewsey Vale on their return to the first division of the Dorset & Wilts North.

Pewsey Vale fully tested the home team's organisation and determination in the early stages, but the first chance came Cricklade’s way in the form of a penalty kick.

New signing Lewis Prosser had impressed with his kicking in the warm-up games and it was a pity that his first league kick for the side came back off the post.

Shortly afterwards Vale had a similar chance which they didn’t spurn.

Cricklade replied immediately with a passing move that cut through the defence and resulted in Nick Bond side-stepping the last man to score; Prosser converted.

Vale mounted a number of attacks which Cricklade handled competently, but one resulted in a penalty for the visitors. The kick was well wide, but the home defence hesitated in dealing with the loose ball and gave Vale space and time to scoop it up and crash over for a try.

Cricklade had once last chance before half-time but Prosser's penalty again came back off the post.

Early in the second half, persistent Cricklade pressure resulted in Rob Lindsay finding a way through defenders to score; Prosser made no mistake with the extras. The pace and intensity of a cracking game increased still further until Vale transgressed in front of their posts and Prosser added another three points. Cricklade appeared to be getting the upper hand, but a period of Vale pressure brought the reward of a try and conversion after a number of snipes off the ruck.

From the restart Cricklade won possession and threatened Vale’s line, but they lost possession when only a few yards out and got caught with their defence out of place. The foot race was easily won by Vale's wing.

Pewsey decided to protect their three-point lead in the last few minutes with all-out defence, but this resulted in a scrum 20 yards out. Quick ball came to Simon Howse who rolled the tackle for a try between the posts.

Prosser stepped up to add the extras and the referee blew for time.