A STRONG second-half fightback proved in vain for Minety as they slipped to a 10-8 Dorset & Wilts One defeat at Blandford.

The visitors were left to count the cost of an unsighted referee, as an apparent first-half try from prop Stacey Skinner was disallowed by the official.

By then, Blandford had taken an early lead as a chip and chase gave them the opening try in the first five minutes.

Skinner's disallowed score was Minety's best early moment and Blandford ended the first period well, running in a second try after the ball was spilled by the Minety backs.

The second half was a different story however.

James Tweedale kicked a penalty goal from in front of the posts and replacement Luke Huckin ran in a try.

But it was not enough and Blandford held on to their narrow lead.