AN UNDERSTENGTH Calne side were easily beaten by Southern Counties South rivals Frome in their first ever Powergen Intermediate Cup outing on Saturday.

Missing several key players, newly-promoted Calne enjoyed a reasonable share of the play in the opening period but went in at half time with a 30-point deficit to overhaul.

But the visitors' superior fitness and support play proved decisive and they ran riot after the interval to book their place in the second round of the competition.

Toby Culff, James Alvis, Gary Webster and Matt Lewis scored two tries apiece, with Keith Norris, Paul Cryer, Gary Jamieson and Shane Lewis all helping themselves to one apiece. Collis added five conversions.

Calne fixture secretary Ian West felt his side had few excuses following their comprehensive defeat.

He said: "They were just stronger and fitter in the end and a bit more organised than us.

"We were missing a few players, but that's really no excuse for a 70-0 defeat. We had an understrength side but got destroyed."

Calne will be looking to bounce back in the league when they travel to local rivals Devizes on Saturday, start 3pm.

Said West: "We're looking forward to that one very much. It is quite some time since we've been up there in the same league as the likes of Devizes and Wootton Bassett.

"This is the highest league the club has ever been in and Saturday will be a tough game. But, then again, we're not expecting any easy games."

Calne are on the lookout for players to join their first team squad. Anyone interested can contact the clubhouse on (01249) 812206.a