A RESOLUTE Corsham overcame a spirited Supermarine side 22-7 to kick off their new year programmed in Dorset & Wilts Division One.

Corsham, after a mixed start to their campaign in 2003, were soon on the front foot against a Swindon side forced to shuffle their pack due to unavailability.

And a spell of forward pressure yielded a try in the opening 10 minutes for second row Rob Turner, converted by Haydn Brockhurst.

Supermarine were unruffled by this setback, however, and running back a clearance kick from the halfway line, they carved out a try of their own, Johnny Clarke touching down for Darren Milne to convert.

Corsham still held the upper hand in the first half and they edged further ahead courtesy of a penalty from centre Brockhurst, before fly-half Rory Auld then created a try for right wing Tom Sandell to barge over by the posts, Brockhurst again converting for a 17-7 lead.

The home side maintained their superiority during the early stages of the second half and they eventually extended their lead when, from a rehearsed lineout move, skipper and hooker Tim Russell stretched to touch down after a galloping blindside run.

Supermarine refused to surrender, however, and they virtually played out the remainder of the half in the Corsham half.

The home side were not helped by indiscipline, a tendency to turn over and a soaring penalty count against them.

At one stage Corsham had both Minty brothers, second row Tim (foul play) and prop Ed (persistent offside) in the sin bin, but thanks to some spirited, last-ditch defence, they managed to keep a determined Supermarine defence at bay.