MARLBOROUGH lost ground to leaders Cricklade in the chase for the Dorset & Wilts Two North title as Wootton Bassett's third string claimed a 15-15 draw.

The game got off to a disastrous start for the visitors, who defeated Bassett 52-5 at home back in October.

With barely a minute on the clock, Bassett's forwards rumbled upfield for a pushover try for back row Stuart Catherall, after Andy Kimber had claimed an excellent lineout.

Marlborough's defence seemed at sixes-and-sevens, and they conceded a second try four minutes later.

It was a fine individual effort from fly-half Andy Dowan, who charged down a clearance kick and hacked on twice to dive on the bobbling ball in the corner.

The conversion again went awry, and Marlborough hit back as Tom Payne slotted a penalty.

However, centre Keith Pascoe crashed over for a third try for Bassett to leave Marlborough with another mountain to climb after the break.

Eight minutes into the secnd half though, No 8 Rob Latham ploughed his way through the defence to score Marlborough's first try.

Payne added the conversion before Latham repeated the trick to bag a second score and earn the draw.

n Cricklade picked up two more points as Salisbury 3rd could not find a full team and had to cancel the game.

The title now looks like a two-horse race, with 100 per centers Cricklade and Marlborough facing each other on February 21.

But Cricklade chairman Thomas Evans was disappointed not to get a run-out.

Evans said: "While we have collected all the points so far this season and the points conceded column is a credit to the whole team, we were hoping to boost the points difference.''

Cricklade take on Colerne this weekend.