CAPTAIN James Gaiger's return after injury inspired Devizes to a storming victory in a tight encounter.

Gaiger's second-half introduction, alongside scrum-half Tom Collins proved to be the game's turning point.

Within seven minutes of their appearance long serving lock Jason Giddings finger-tipped a ball down to Collins who accelerated through a gap to set up Gaiger for a decisive try and a 15-14 lead which Bassett never overhauled.

For the first time in several games the Saddlebacks had a strong second half, dominating both territory and possession.

Shortly after the kick off Devizes put together four phases of play in the Bassett half before hooker Ian Carter scattered defenders and burst clear to score Devizes' first try and establish a five point lead.

Bassett retaliated and forced a penalty which they kicked to reduce the deficit to 5-3.

Although rarely out of their own half Devizes defended well and took every opportunity to launch attacks.

Centre, Darren Burbidge cut loose and shredded the Bassett defence with an incisive run before passing to prop Steve Rose.

Unselfishly, with 30 metres to go, Rose returned a pass to Burbidge who went over for a spectacular try.

O'Sullivan missed the conversion but Devizes had extended their lead to 10-3

The Saddlebacks' improved performance continued as they put Bassett pack under severe pressure in the scrums and won more line out ball.

But Bassett punished Devizes by converting two penalties and reducing their lead to 10-9 at half time.

Early in the second half Bassett won a scrum in the Devizes 22. The number eight picked up and broke through a tackle and fed the backline to score and take the lead to 14-10.

Gaiger's try restored Devizes lead and the Saddlebacks could have gone further ahead if they had opted to kick an easy penalty rather than take a quick tap easily stopped by Bassett

Even so the Saddlebacks began to dictate the game, forcing Bassett back into their own half with well directed kicks.

They went further ahead when a line out catch and drive was touched down by number eight Taff Bayliss.

This was followed by a classic try initiated by the forwards and quickly released to the backs.

Young fullback, Ed Smith, who had a sound allround game, took a perfectly timed pass from Mike Thomas to complete the scoring.

Flanker Nav had an immensely positive influence on the game and Bayliss deservedly won man of the match.