DEVIZES ran promotion-chasing Tadley close before succumbing to a 27-20 home defeat in Southern Counties South.

The home side were in contention until the final whistle, but Tadley's flurry at the start of the second half ultimately proved just enough.

Tadley signalled their intention within minutes when their winger chased a kick and just beat Rich Cassleden to the touch down.

Fortunately, he was adjudged offside and Devizes roared back, forcing two penalties that were both pulled wide by fly-half Alex Bennett.

But the hosts grabbed the lead as acting skipper Tim Alchin, started a sweeping attack that ended with wing Jona Manu outpacing the defence from 30 metres out.

Tadley missed a penalty, but were awarded a penalty try to go into the lead 7-5.

Unfazed, Devizes created several rucks close enough to the line for Charlie Rudler to force his way over and restore the lead.

Again, Tadley hit back and a three-man overlap gave them a second-half lead and a 12-10 half-time advantage.

Karson Prima, Darren Burbidge, Rich Cassleden and Tom Collins all made telling runs through a suspect Tadley midfield defence in the second half and Mike Walsh was driven over to make it 15-12 to the hosts.

But Tadley regained the lead with a converted try and a further try and penalty stretched their advantage.

Devizes had the last say though, replacement winger Liam Young touching down.

WOOTTON Bassett were on the receiving end of a 62-0 drubbing by Dorchester as teenage wing Matt Read bagged a hat-trick of tries.

Fellow wing James Spencley helped himself to a couple in the romp and there were touchdowns for centre Joe Morris, flanker Dan Cowling and Alex Cowling.

Centre Steve Gerrity kicked seven conversions and added a penalty.