DUNCAN Fulling booked Wootton Bassett's spot in the Dorset & Wilts 2nd XV Cup semi-finals with three penalties to down last year's finallists Swindon 9-5.

Bassett had to survive heavy first-half pressure from the home side, as the strong wind became a major factor.

But it was Bassett's outstanding defence that kept Swindon at bay, although Stuart Cock gave the Greenbridge Road side the lead from a charged-down kick.

Bassett improved their effort in the second half, piling on the pressure and forcing Swindon to give away penalties.

Fulling took advantage to slot three of them and the back row of skipper Rob May, Ian Chard and Gary Darragh were outstanding as Bassett protected their advantage.

May said: "It was about sticking together as a team. The conditions were not great to play rugby in but the boys really stuck together for the whole 80 minutes and it feels great to have another win against our old rivals.''

CHIPPENHAM earned themselves a January 17 North Wiltshire derby semi-final with Bassett as they disposed of Trowbridge 19-7 in their quarter-final.

The home side were quickly out of the blocks and a try from Dave Burrows, converted by Paul Clifford, gave them the early lead.

Chippenham's forwards were dominant in the loose and the pressure told on Trowbridge, who gave away three penalties during the first half, all of which were converted by Clifford.

But they were caught napping after a period of sustained pressure which Trowbridge took advantage of, scoring a well-deserved try through fly-half Graham Morrison which he also converted.

Trowbridge also scored another try, but it was disallowed as it was deemed that Neil Stockley had made a double movement and Chippenham went into the break 16-7 ahead.

The second half was an even close affair, but Clifford managed the solitary score, adding a fourth penalty to his tally to book Chippenham's last-four place.

Team: M Schrader, J Angell, D Williams, J Todd, K Gunn, N Watkins, F McNaught, P Coope, J Alford, T Lloyd, J Squires, D Burrows, P Clifford, D Wells, B Gray Subs: Keith Stokes, Chris Murrow, Royston Davis.

THE other semi-final will be between Swanage & Wareham, who beat Devizes 28-0 and Dorchester, who ousted Wimborne 25-10.