WOOTTON Bassett 2nds just held off the determined challenge of their Salisbury counterparts, winning 10-7 in their opening Dorset & Wilts 2nd XV Merit League fixture

Salisbury travelled to Stoneover Lane to seek revenge for last season's cup defeat, but the visitors were quickly trailing when fly-half Gareth Williams slotted a well-taken drop goal.

Before Salisbury had time to recover, speedy winger Aaron Lightbody took advantage of a Salisbury handling error in the Bassett half and outsprinted the defence to score under the posts.

The extra two points were easily converted by the boot of Williams.

The rest of the first period saw some excellent end-to-end rugby, but defences stayed strong.

And it was only minutes before the half-time whistle that Salisbury breached the home sides defensive line, to score a converted try just left of the posts through a well worked centre move.

The second half started with Bassett just in front, both sides attacked and defended valiantly.

There were some noticeable performances for the home side, particularly among the back row pairing of Gary Darragh, and man of the match' Neil Smith.

But with defences on top, no further scores were possible and Bassett hung on for victory.