A BELOW-PAR and under-strength combined side overcame their North Somerset opponents despite a disappointing display.

Missing three regulars may have unbalanced the team but an early try by inside centre, David Finlay, should have set the combined team on their way to a comfortable victory.

But instead the hosts became complacent and a solid and well-organised visiting eight helped Midsomer Norton seize the lead with a converted try following a sustained spell of pressure. Tight head Ewan Lacey scored a try for Devizes before half time.

The home team stepped up a gear in the second half, with Finlay and Graeme Hawke scoring tries and the victory was rounded off when number eight Luke Foster managed his second set-piece try in consecutive weeks.

The combined team take on local rivals Chippenham at the weekend.