Wootton Bassett narrowly lost to the league leaders in the championship decider on Saturday at Stoneover Lane.

In a game that Bassett really needed to win to secure a play-off spot, it was the visitors that opened the scoring after 10 minutes when their full-back crashed through the centre to touch down under the posts.

This try kicked Bassett into life, and the rest of the half saw them camped in the Bournemouth half, but they still went into the break 0-7 down. The second half again saw the home side dominate and they pummelled Bournemouth.

It was from an excellent move in the centre that fly-half Nick Parker rounded the defence and dived over just right of the uprights, full back Duncan Fulling slotting the conversion.

This equilibrium did not last long, as it was Bournemouth who scored next with a penalty to put them 7-10 in front.

The home side once again continued to throw attack after attack at Bournemouth and this continued pressure resulted in the defence buckling.

Bassett were awarded a string of penalties, of which Duncan Fulling converted two, putting Bassett ahead for the first time, 16-10. With only ten minutes remaining, Bournemouth jumped ahead again after scoring an opportunistic try.

With the score now at 16-17 and only five minutes remaining, the game was still anyone's, but it was Bournemouth who nailed the victory with a finely-struck drop goal.

Bassett must now win their final game away at Tadley to secure second spot and a play off berth.