TROWBRIDGE have won the Dorset and Wilts Division One championship, thanks to a dramatic late try from skipper Barry Coombs.

Reduced to 14 men after only ten minutes and trailing for more than half the match, Trowbridge hit back in the closing minutes to snatch a 10-7 victory over Blandford and with it promotion to the Southern Counties South division next season.

After spending most of the second half camped in the Blandford half, but kept out by the visitors' inspired defence, Trowbridge's pressure finally paid off.

After forcing a series of penalties, Trowbridge won a scrum ten metres from the Blandford line. The forwards won quick ball and scrum-half Alex Hill made a half break to the blind-side before off loading the ball to Coombs who sprinted over from close range.

"The match was on a knife edge throughout, but I never believed we were going to lose it," said Coombs.

"We spent most of the second half in the Blandford half, but they defended very well.

"We beat Blandford comfortably earlier in the season, but since they appointed a new coach at Christmas time they have improved enormously and I would say they are the best team we have faced this season.

"We have a young team, the average age is only 23, and to win promotion has been a tremendous achievement. Most of the first team players have come up through the youth set-up and the second XV. They can all be proud of their achievement."

The standard of rugby at Southern Counties is generally considered much higher than in the Dorset and Wilts Division and Coombs says Trowbridge will face a tough challenge next season.

"Our strength is in our backs and our forwards are a little lightweight when compared with other teams.

"All of the Southern Counties teams have big forwards, who are big hitters and we will have to work hard to get a pack able to compete."

Trowbridge face another key match tomorrow when they entertain Old Culverhaysians in the Bath Combination Cup. Kick-off is at 2.15pm.