A FIRST half blitz from Pewsey Vale took care of Hungerford on Saturday in a match played under difficult conditions.

Hungerford struggled to contain Vale's pace and attacking play, but regrouped for a solid defensive performance in the second period at the Angela Yates Memorial Ground.

Vale took control of the contest after just 15 minutes. The home side won a line-out deep in the Hungerford half.

The ball was passed through the backs using a well-rehearsed move, and right-winger Paul Pike cut back in to received a short pop pass, and burst through to score Vale's first try of the day.

Fly-half Kevin Martin did well to convert the try as he was kicking into a strong headwind.

Vale continued to keep possession and apply pressure on Hungerford. The home side dominated the rucks and on 25 minutes went further ahead.

Hungerford lost the ball at the breakdown despite taking it in, due to a strong drive from the Vale forwards, which gave them possession in a dangerous position.

The Vale pack drove the ball on towards the Hungerford posts. Scrum half Felix Gedney chose the perfect time to take the ball from the forwards and run at the visiting defence. He darted within a yard of the line and passed to captain and centre Dave Williams, who dived through the centre of the posts.

Martin had no problems in converting the try and extending Vale's lead.

The Hungerford pack charged on looking to put some points on the board before the half time whistle.

On 28 minutes Hungerford were awarded a scrum just 10 yards out. The visitors held possession in the scrum and quickly passed the ball out wide for their centre to score in the corner.

With the high winds and distance making the kick difficult, Hungerford failed to convert.

Five minutes before the interval Vale extended their advantage as Hungerford kicked down the field to clear a Vale attack.

The ball fell to backs, they ran the ball up the entire length of the field with a great display of passing. The ball ended up in the arms of centre Craig Mariner who avoided two tackles and dived over the line, once again between the posts. This made it easy for Martin to convert.

Pewsey had the advantage of the wind in the second half but could not capitalise as the Hungerford pack kept possession and put the home team under pressure.

Vale did have one golden opportunity, but were denied due to the rain. Centre Mariner capitalised on a Hungerford error and intercepted the ball deep in the Hungerford half. He ran through the defence and dived over the line but the slippery wet ball came out of his hands seconds before he was about to place it down.

After that Pewsey kept the visitors pinned into their own half but could not find a way through the tough defence. Hungerford put on a great display of tackling and spirit to keep the home side at bay.

In an effort to get some points fly-half Martin found himself in a central position on 70 minutes and attempted the drop goal, but the wind was too strong and carried the ball wide.

On 75 minutes a Hungerford kick flew down the field. The Hungerford pack chased it down and managed to win a ruck. Their powerful second row picked the ball up and ran into space near the corner.

A crushing tackle two yards from the line by Loose head prop Elliot Soper saved Hungerford from scoring.

Pewsey's next game is at home in the league on Saturday against Calne in what should be a tough test.