Royal Wootton Bassett suffer last gasp defeat at Launceston

Launceston kicked off and immediately put the Bassett line under pressure. The big Cornish pack put the opposition scrum under early pressure and a penalty try was conceded.

The hosts added a converted try and midway through the half, extended their lead to 17-0 when a long-range penalty was scored off the upright.

Despite a tough start, the visitors began to put some neat plays together and stretched the Launceston defence.

With 5 minutes of the half remaining, the Wiltshire side opted to punt a penalty to the corner. The lineout was well taken and flanker Jack Daynes drove over. Skipper and fly half Sam Baker added the conversion.

With the last play of the half, Bassett again won a lineout and prop Mitchell Gough went over. Baker added a tricky conversion and they were right back in it at the interval with the score being 17-14.

The hosts looked stunned and more pressure was to come their way, as Bassett powered out of the blocks. From the restart, they drove the ball into the Launceston 22 with charges from back rows Ollie Baycroft and Josh McCafferty.

The ball came to Baker, who made a neat offload to allow Jack Daynes to score his second of the match near the posts. Baker added the conversion and Bassett had unbelievably turned the game on its head to lead 21-17.

Woody Walker under pressure (Image: James Booth)

Two minutes late, another superb break from Baycroft saw him charge out of the Launceston half. The excellent move saw the ball passed at speed and hooker Sam Cantwell popped up and raced over for the try bonus point score. Baker converted and Bassett were in a comfortable 28-17 lead.

With the game moving into added time, Launceston added an unconverted try. Over nine minutes were played and heartbreak was to come for the visitors.

The Cornish side grasped victory with the final play of the game.

Despite losing in a heartbreaking manner, Bassett picked up two bonus points in consolation.

They should also be very proud with the performance which was against one of the sides who will be around the top of the table come the end of the season.

Bassett are in sixth place following the defeat, but after a week’s break will host visit of second place Barnstaple for the inaugural fixture with the Somerset side.