WOOTTON Bassett bounced back from a 47-0 defeat by Tadley last week to beat a Devizes XV that was off the pace and tactically outplayed, perhaps suffering from a long Christmas layoff.

Throughout the game Devizes struggled to get control and position. There were some heroic individual performances from number 8 Nav and centre Mike Thomas but the collective effort was well below par.

Wootton Bassett scored I7 points in the first 20 minutes and never looked like losing this lead. Devizes were under pressure from the kick off and it took 10 minutes before their first concerted attack.

Bassett won a Devizes scrum ball and exposed poor defence on the blind side to score. The conversion took Bassett seven points clear.

Within the space of 10 minutes Bassett had converted a penalty goal , turned over Devizes possession and ran through weak tackles to establish a 17-0 lead.

Devizes hit back when Charlie Rudler touched down after a 25 metre pick and go forward move. Sean O'Sullivan converted to reduce the deficit by

7 points They were back in the game when centre,Mike Thomas, mad two breaks through a tight Bassett defence. At 17-12 it was anyone's game.

Contrary to what was expected Devizes continued to suffer from sporadic possession and slow ball after the interval. The many penalties awarded to them were wasted by failure to find touch or having no preconceived plan to tap and go.

Devizes were lucky to escape after being dispossessed and outmanoeuvred in the backs. Fortunately Bassett winger knocked on with the line at his mercy.

Bassett's claustrophobic defence allowed Devizes few opportunities and they held on to a 17-12 lead and a well deserved victory.