A gallant Wootton Bassett side went down to their Swanage and Wareham counterparts in a hard-fought Dorset and Wilts 2nd XV Vase encounter.

The home side were deserving victors and Bassett's only points came from a Pete Thornton try, followed by Andy Dowan's conversion. There were a number of good performances in the Bassett ranks, particularly from Tom Deitriech, Thornton and Dowan.

Skipper Rob May said: "It was a very tough game, and Swans really did deserve the win.

"However the lads stepped up to the challenge and we deserved more for our efforts.

"But for a few costly errors it would have been much closer."

Wootton Bassett 3rd 41

Wellesley Arms 0

Wootton Bassett's thirds returned to winning ways with an emphatic win over neighbours Wellesley Arms in Saturday's Dorset and Wilts Division two North match.

Bassett started the stronger and early forward pressure resulted in the ball being spun quickly into the centre for Pete Woods to sprint through for the try.

Bassett then started to turn the screw in the forwards and, profiting from a wealth of possession, full-back Stuart Wakely crossed over for an unconverted try on the 20-minute mark.

The half finished with centre Woods diving in under the posts, scrum-half Dave Scott converting for a 17-0 lead.

Bassett made a few changes at the break but it failed to change the momentum as replacement centre Lee Davies charged through to touch down under the posts. The player converted his own try.

Bassett were back on the scoreboard straight from the kick off when fly-half Jon Spillane dived over.

Replacement full-back Ben Ashwell wentover on his debut and stand-in skipper and number eight Ian Chard completed the try-scoring when he dived over from close range.