DEVIZES Saddlebacks travelled to Sherborne in need of a victory to get their league campaign back on course but they were beaten by a side stronger in most facets of the game.

The match was played on a wonderful surface at Sherborne School as the home side's facilities were unavailable. Running with a strong wind in the first half, Devizes failed to take advantage of the elements with poor kicking options, put themselves under pressure by giving away too many penalties and are a side playing without any confidence at present.

The home team opened the scoring with a well struck penalty from fly half Tom Cracknell into the wind, soon followed by an equalising score from Devizes centre James Pople.

The Saddlebacks continued to put pressure on the Sherborne line but could not convert this into points, especially when they lost influential second row Tim Alchin temporarily with a head wound.

A finger injury to flanker and captain Tom Reed and match ending ankle complaint for compatriot Mike McCrum allowed Sherborne's dominant back row, especially powerful number eight Richard Nias, to get a roll on, and it was through quick hands to Nias they scored the first try. A further penalty by Pople made the score 8-6 at half-time.

Shortly after the break Devizes lost hooker Chris Billi (knee) and, despite some periods of sustained forward play, the Saddlebacks failed to retain possession in key areas and were continually punished on the counter attack and by Cracknell's kicking game.

Sherborne flankers Martin Hill and Shane Newton were quicker to the breakdown and drove the Devizes pack over their line for the opening try of the second half, Newton claiming the score.

Sherborne's ability to pilfer seemingly safe ball from Devizes led to two tries for left winger Shane Green, who unfortunately in completing his brace was seriously concussed, causing a premature end to proceedings.

Next Saturday Devizes travel to Henley in the second round of the Powergen Intermediate Cup for a tough encounter against a side currently at the top of Southern Counties North.

Devizes 2nd 14, Chippenham 3rd 19

After early mistakes gifted Chippenham a 12 point lead, Devizes pegged back the opposition in the first half with a try from a rolling maul and a superb touch-line conversion from Julian Taylor.

After the break Devizes began to assert a territorial advantage with the wind, but a wayward pass allowed the Chippenham winger to intercept and run the length of the field to open up a 19-7 lead.

Devizes recovered with a long kick and, showing unusual alacrity, Devizes prop Charlie Rudler charged down a Chippenham defensive kick to maintain the pressure. Devizes forced two scrums and number eight Taff Bayliss drove over for a well deserved try.

Devizes forced their way over the line in the last minute, only to be penalised for a handling offence.