CORSHAM gave a good account of themselves against higher-league opponents Devizes before missing out on a Bath Combination Plate final.

The Lacock Road outfit eventually went down 23-8 to their Southern Counties League visitors, but only after a lively display which saw them leading 8-3 in the latter stages of the first half.

The sides traded early penalties, Corsham's points coming from the boot of Denzil Brockhurst. The winger then grabbed the first try as he profited from some space on the left to gallop down the left flank and score in the corner.

A faltering Saddlebacks did not have too long to wait for their equalising touchdown, after an incisive threequarters break, and the conversion edged them into a narrow lead.

Corsham continued to punch holes in the visitors' defences but they failed to find the telling pass and Devizes produced a sucker punch on the stroke of half-time with a try from their hooker in the corner.

The home forwards competed on an equal footing with a larger Devizes pack, but the visitors' strength eventually told midway through the half as they went over from a catch and drive.

The home side refused to lie down, and even when losing lock Roy Hewett to the sin bin for foul play, their defensive efforts limited Devizes to a further drop goal.

Chances at the other end were also limited and it was Devizes who reached the final against Stothert and Pitt or Avon.

Corsham close their Dorset and Wilts Division One campaign at home to Cooper-Avon Tyres tomorrow. The second string travel to Melksham for a Bath Combination 2nd XV Merit Table encounter.