CAPTAIN Barry Coombs scored a dramatic try in the closing moments to secure the Dorset and Wilts Division One championship for Trowbridge on Saturday 15 March.

Blandford, a much improved side since Trowbridge played them last, pressurised the home side from the start and did not allow Trowbridge to settle in any area of the game.

Trowbridge's cause was not helped when, after only 10 minutes, they had back row forward Lee McClurg sent off.

From then on Trowbridge were put under immense pressure up front and Blandford took the initiative with a converted try to give them a 7-0 lead.

Trowbridge gradually edged their way back into the game and a penalty from fly half Graeme Morrison late in the half reduced Blandford's lead to 7-3 at half-time.

In the second half Trowbridge, despite having only 14 men, came more into the game and back row forwards Barry Coombs and Bod Lawes were outstanding, in both attack and defence.

As the game drew to a close it looked as if Blandford had done enough to edge a victory but Trowbridge never gave in and hammered away at the Blandford line.

Following a succession of penalties, Trowbridge finally scored a well deserved try when scrum half Alex Hill made a half break and fed skipper Coombs to sprint over the line, much to the relief of the Trowbridge crowd.

Winger Mathew Dowling added the conversion.