Wootton Bassett Veterans were defeated 36-17 by a strong RAF Veterans side in their annual encounter at Stoneover Lane.

The home side started the match strongly and kept the visitors from scoring until 25 minutes in, when a backs move allowed the outside centre to skip through under the posts for a converted try.

From the restart the RAF backs again worked the ball wide to allow the left wing to score another converted try.

That galvanised the home pack, who started to supply the backs with some clean ball, allowing centre John Spillane to jink his way over.

But the trusty boot of fly-half Bob Walbyoff failed with the conversion and the RAF were the next to score 10 minutes from the interval through their winger.

Starting the second half 19-5 down, Bassett again used the size of Spillane to bulldoze his way over under the posts and Walbyoff's conversion edged them within one score.

But the RAF continued their strong running rugby, resulting in three more tries, two of which were converted.

Bassett scrapped back one consolation try when Kiwi full-back Steve Cunningham popped up in the centre and carved open the defence open to score an unconverted try.

Bassett Vets next take on Cirencester on October 20.