GRAHAM Stickler paid tribute to his Wootton Bassett troops despite seeing their Southern Counties South promotion challenge fall at the final hurdle on Saturday.

Bassett lost 26-5 at Tadley, while Frome's 62-10 dismantling of Minety allowed them to snatch second spot and a promotion play-off against Southern Counties North outfit Henley Wanderers, who themselves took advantage of Stow-on-the-Wold's last-day slip at Beaconsfield.

It was a heartbreaking way for Stickler's youthful side to end their campaign, having mounted a surprise bid for honours this term.

But the coach had nothing but praise for his outfit, saying: "We had some very strange decisions go against us which didn't help us at all.''

"But I am very proud of the lads and what they have achieved this season. We have missed the promotion chance, but we have come a long way from where we were last season.''

Bassett got off to the worst possible start when Tadley seized the lead afteronly four minutes, dropping on a loose ball for the try.

But the next score was the visitors after 34 minutes. From a five metre lineout, French second row Flo Vialant playing his last game for the club went over.

It stayed that way until the second half, when the bounce of the ball again fell kindly to Tadley after a kick and chase.

Bassett piled on the pressure, winning a string of penalties deep in the Tadley 22 metre area.

However, an enquiry to the referee about a possible penalty try met only with a reversal of a penalty decision, allowing the home side to clear.

And the final 10 minutes saw Tadley score two converted tries to seal Bassett's fate.

At Minety, the home side bade farewell to Southern Counties South as Frome ran in 10 tries.

Ryan Dowling's kick-and-chase try, plus a first half penalty was the only bright spot for Minety, who must rebuild in Dorset & Wilts One North next term.

MALMESBURY suffered double disappointment on the last day of action in Dorset & Wilts Two North.

The Monks saw their clash at Minety 2nd called off, as the hosts were unable to raise a side.

That gave Malmesbury the two points, which would have been enough to hand them the title had leaders Colerne slipped up at Swindon 3rd

However, they won 13-7, although Malmesbury are promoted.