WOOTTON Bassett are county colts champions after a dramatic come-from-behind victory over much-fancied Wimborne in the Dorset & Wilts final at Swanage & Wareham RFC on Sunday.
Prop Michael McGrady was the hero of the hour for the Wiltshire side, scoring a last-gasp try to snatch the Under 18 Vase 17-15.
And it was a fitting reward for a side that has stayed together for the best part of 10 years.
Wimborne opened the scoring with a fine penalty, but Bassett quickly responded with a great lineout take by captain John Aston that allowed the impressive Sean Warren to burrow over from the resultant maul.
Wimborne, however, finished the half the stronger, scoring from a chip and chase and they held a 10-5 advantage at the interval.
With their confidence flowing, Wimborne then seemed to put the game beyond Bassett's reach when they crossed the line again in the second half.
However, with less than 10 minutes to go fly-half Daniel David kicked to the corner and the lineout was secured by the outstanding Warren.
Bassett again rolled forward and powerful centre Ben Lyon crashed over under the posts.
David converted and, with just a few minutes remaining and his side three points down, David kicked a penalty to the corner.
Tremendous work under intense pressure by the Bassett forwards secured possession and prop McGrady scored the match winner in the corner.
Wootton Bassett: S Davies, M McGrady, J Birch, P Stickler, S Wells, T Barnes, M Toon, S Warren, M Hogg, J Barkham, T Suter, J Aston, O Vale, L Dunham, D David, B Lyon, O Gray, A Bradshaw, C Hayle, K Brant.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article