TROWBRIDGE's first ever season in the Southern Counties South league ended in disappointment on Saturday thanks largely to unforced errors.

Trowbridge have shown encouraging signs of improvement this campaign but after having their sights set on a fourth place finish a few weeks ago, their final position of sixth will be disappointing.

Captain Barry Coombs said: "I think we finished just where we thought we would.

"Considering this is our first season we are happy.

"Everything is in place for a good season next time round and we will be looking to get higher than sixth.

"We played quite well on Saturday but we made too many mistakes and they punished us."

Trowbridge started well and after some long phases of possession the home side made the breakthrough.

Prop Matt Dudman crossed the try line after bursting through powerfully from a line out. The conversion was missed.

Trowbridge continued to enjoy most of the possession but were unable to convert this into clear chances.

Dorchester then began to push forward but some excellent defensive work kept them at bay. Second row Lee McLurg stood out with some hard tackles.

With the Dorchester pack consistently infringing in the ruck the referee sent their blind side flanker to the sin-bin but Trowbridge were unable to extend their lead by the break.

After the restart Dorchester quickly scored a converted try after some good rucking. A mix up in the Trowbridge defence allowed the visitors to go over for their second try and extend the lead to 12-5.

After Dorchester had added another try, Trowbridge pushed for some consolation and on the stroke of full-time Tom Hanham danced his way through for an excellent try.

Trowbridge travel to Melksham tomorrow to play Cooper-Avon Tyres in a friendly match.