DESPITE the difference in their league positions it was Bassett who took the game to their second-placed opponents.

The visitors mounted a sustained series of assaults on the Bassett line, and eventually the pressure told Bassett conceded a penalty, which was duly kicked to open the scoring.

Every time Tadley attacked they were chopped down by committed tacklers, particularly openside Paul Hine, but were able to add a drop goal and another penalty after a innocuous Bassett infringement.

As the half drew to a close Bassett gained a penalty infront of the posts, the kick by Sean Millwaters rebounded into the hands of the alert Hine who simply dived over the line, with conversion making it 9-7 at the break.

The second half started badly for Bassett as a stray kick was returned with interest deep into the Bassett 22 by Tadley's outstanding number ten.

An overthrow resulted in a controversial try as the Tadley flanker appeared to be held up over the line.

Bassett struggled to string phases together as their ball was slowed up time and again by the Tadley back row.

A scintillating break from their own 22 saw Tadley grab another touchdown as the ball was moved through five pairs of hands.

Bassett came back and were eventually rewarded when fly-half Pete Thornton sliced through the defence for a brilliant individual touchdown.

With the score now at 19-12 Bassett poured forward in search of another score to draw level.

With time against them and the heat affecting fitness Bassett, despite some heroic efforts from centres Spillane and Dietrich, were unable to get the score their play deserved.