Royal Wootton Bassett were pushed to their limits but ultimately came out on top with a 39-27 victory over Trowbridge to maintain their lead at the top.

Bassett immediately went on the attack and a big run from hooker Scott Parry put the visitors in a good position. The Trowbridge defence held firm. Trowbridge were frustrating the Bassett offence and a neat breakout in the eighth-minute saw winger Ollie Shrubb open the scoring.

Bassett continued to look the better side, but Trowbridge were making a huge effort. In the 23rd minute, a neat break from centre Connor Tomley saw fellow centre Scott Douglas on hand to score near the posts and level the score.

Bassett then had two clear-cut chances to lead but a fumble and a marginal forward pass denied them when scores looked certain.

In the 32nd minute, a trademark break from Sam Baker saw the ball released to Rhys Floyd who passed before receiving a return pass to touch down.

Remarkably Trowbridge then lost 2 players to high tackles but almost immediately Rory Murchison went over with Weaver converting to level the scores at 14-14 at the interval.

Bassett were clearly frustrated with the score line at the break but initially worse was to come with Weaver scoring two early penalties for a shock 20-14 lead for Trowbridge.

This woke Bassett up and after 55 minutes winger Henry Toomer initially looked to have scored but frustratingly another close call saw play brought back for a forward pass.

Bassett finally did restore their lead when the ball was fed wide and Thomas “Tucker” Blinkhorn joined at a neat angle to scythe through the defence.

A back-and-forth few minutes ensued with a wide ball to Douglas who went over in the corner and Bassett led 26-20, but Trowbridge then had the home support roaring when Andrew Twinney went over for Trowbridge to take the lead straight back 27-26.

A minute later a Trowbridge defensive fumble saw Toomer finally race over for the try he had been threatening all afternoon. Baker added two penalties in this period to send Bassett in with a twelve-point winning margin at the final whistle.

Bassett remain nine points clear with six games remaining but will be taking nothing for granted with several tough fixtures ahead. Trowbridge will be looking to consolidate their top-half position in the table with an eye to making a challenge next season.