WOOTTON Bassett produed their most dynamic performance for a number of weeks to edge out Devizes 17-12 in their all-Wiltshire Southern Counties South encounter at Stoneover Lane.

For their part, Devizes were largely off the pace and tactically outplayed, and possibly suffered from a long Christmas lay-off.

The visitors struggled to gain control and position throughout and despite the performances of Fijian No 8 Nav and centre Mike Thomas, the collective effort was well below par.

Wootton Bassett scored all 17 points in the first 20 minutes and never looked like relinquishing their lead.

They welcomed back hooker John Biddy from injury and Matt McKee for his first senior game back since rejoining from Swindon College Old Boys.

He led the way in the opening stages with a number of rampaging runs and with his forward colleagues responding, they proved an irresistible force.

Half-backs Sam and Duncan Fulling profitted and from a Bassett heel against the head, the former linked with No 8 Neil Smith to put wing Rhys Harries over in the corner.

Duncan Fulling converted from wide out and a penalty stretched the home side's lead.

McKee, joining the back line, was then put in space and he powered over from 25 metres, the conversion giving Bassett a healthy 17-0 lead.

Devizes hit back when Charlie Rudler touched down after a 25-metre pick-and-go forward move. Sean O'Sullivan converting.

The visitors had their hopes lifted when Thomas crashed over to make it 17-12 but Bassett's claustrophobic defence allowed Devizes less and less chances.

And with Frenchman Flo Vialan, a replacement for Gary Mander, causing problems for the Devizes defence, the visitors found themselves on the back foot for much of the remainder of the game.