Saddlebacks' winning run ended

IN a scrappy, error strewn game, the Old Boys showed a greater sense of urgency and gained a deserved victory in this Southern Counties South game.

Taking wrong options and failing to deal with the bouncing ball contributed to Devizes' defeat. The result was a huge disappointment to Devizes supporters who had seen the Saddlebacks win three consecutive league games.

A robust and determined College pack, led by veteran county player Tony Brant, more than held their own up front, winning three scrums against the head as well as frequently turning over Devizes possession in the loose.

Devizes' traditional strength in the line-outs was negated by infringements and wayward throwing in.

After 20 minutes Devizes took the lead with a Richard Slater penalty, but Slater was to go oin to miss four other penalties.

College quickly replied when they took Devizes scrum ball and moved it wide at pace for the winger to score unopposed. The 7-3 lead was extended to 12-3 when a Devizes error in defence allowed the College backs to regain possession and score an unconverted try.

Before half time Devizes missed another two penalties and a drop kick at goal.

Shortly after half-time the Devizes right winger ,who had been starved of possession, latched onto a loose ball and accelerated to score from 25 metres out.

At 12-8 victory ought to have been a possibility, but Devizes were rarely able to exert sustained pressure in good attacking positions.

Another drop goal attempt went wide, a pass was dropped with the line wide open and several short penalties were messed up.

They will need to improve considerably if they are to halt the league progress of Corsham this week.

Devizes 2nds 55, Clifton Bandits 0

SEVERAL team changes before the kick off saw Devizes with some new faces in the seconds.

It did not take long for Devizes to establish control against a very keen Clifton side.

The forwards were dominant in everything they did, with good scrummage work from all the pack and Henegan and Penfold taking good line-out ball.

All this good possession gave the Devizes backs plenty of opportunity to attack, and once ball was released from the forwards they made good use of it, with good distribution and tactical kicking from new stand off Webb.

Young winger Wallbridge crossed the line for the first of his three tries with only three minutes gone. Not to be outdone, opposite winger and man of the match Andy Hancock also managed to cross for a fine try and was unlucky not to score more.

Excellent pressure throughout the first half meant that Clifton were never able to threaten the Devizes line but were still very difficult to play against.

The second half saw Clifton trying to prevent quick release of the ball that would enable the backs to run riot in midfield.

Tim Kamei was a giant in the line out towards the end of the game and scored three tries.

To their credit Clifton would not give in and kept coming back at Devizes, who showed great grit and determination to stop the visitors scoring.

With two minutes remaining John Bathe came on and his telling turn of pace and timing of the pass sent Wallbridge over with the last play of the game.

Try scorers: Wallbridge (3), Kamei (3), Henegan, Hancock and Crosby, with Webb adding five conversions.

This week Devizes are home to what is sure to be a strong Swanage side. Kick-off is at 3pm.

Devizes 3rds 19 Swindon College 17

ON a very good pitch, in ideal conditions, it took both sides a while to settle down and play rugby.

The Devizes pack, especially the front five, gradually started to dominate their opposite numbers and provided a good platform from the set pieces.

Trevor Lowe kicked two penalties and converted a fine first half try by veteran front row Stewart Hadden. Swindon replied with a converted try and a penalty.

Shortly into the second half Devizes took their foot of the gas, and allowed Swindon to score an easy try, which they converted. Devizes stepped up another gear and started to play as they did in the first half.

A magnificent 20 yard rolling maul resulted in a line-out close to the Swindon line, providing back row Fraser with the perfect opportunity to thunder over the line for a deserved try, Lowe again converting.

l IN their first fixture of the season, Devizes under sevens showed good teamwork both in attack and defence and proved too strong for their Walcot opponents.

They won both their matches, the first by 25 points to 10, and by five tries to two, and the second by 30 points to five, and by six tries to one.

Try scorers were: Ciaran Davis (4), Freddie Marlowe (2), Toby Fleming (2), Luke Barfield (2) and Stefan Rossi (1).

Devizes under 8s 25, Walcot (Bath) under 8s 25

WALCOT arrived with one man short. Devizes lent them Lewis Pickard, who immediately scored twice.

Devizes recovered strongly, with tries from Christopher Isaacs and Mark Fox so that at half-time the scores were level.

At the final whistle the scores were again equal at five tries each, with Peter Thomson, Joseph Louca and Christopher Isaacs scoring second half tries for Devizes.

George Combe, Gregory Townsend and Oliver Usher all gave strong support.

Devizes under 9s 25, Walcot (Bath) under 9s 35

WALCOT'S rucking and retention skills carried them through to a deserved win by seven tries to five.

If Devizes continue to improve at the current rate, the rest of the season could prove exciting. Devizes try scorers were: Lewis Paget (2), Henry Marlowe (2), Sean (1).

Devizes Under 10s 25, Walcot (Bath) Under 10s 40

DEVIZES lost by eight tries to five to a very strong Walcot Old Boys side.

Walcot had some strong runners, who Devizes struggled to stop. Devizes were spurred on by the forthright tackling of Henry Davies and the defence improved as the game went on. Luke Flower had an excellent game with some great individual tries.

The scrum of James Louca, Craig Bryant and Kit Nesbitt played well as a unit and all completed some good driving runs.

Devizes, who borrowed some players from Melksham, were beaten by a very well organised outfit. Devizes captain Mo Middleton led by example. Other players who excelled were Daniel Craig, try scorer Any Flower, Seb Fuller, Steve Merrett, Julian Taylor, Stuart Top, Michael Walsh and Ted Watts.