CORSHAM gave one of the Southern Counties South promotion favourites plenty to think about, becoming the first side in four outings stopping their opponents from gaining a try bonus point.

Leading 3-0 at half time, the Corsham pack took the game to a young Sherborne side, who struggled to win ball in both the tight and loose phases of the game.

The forwards, led by captain Ed Minty, drove the ball at every opportunity into the heart of the visitors’ defence and should have had more to show for all their hard work.

Dan Goldsworthy’s penalty gave the home side their slender half-time advantage.

Injuries to veteran centre Tony Iccano and forward John Murzyn were to cost Corsham as both had to leave the field just before the break.

In the second half Sherborne looked a different proposition, changing their game plan and trying to throw the ball wide.

The Corsham back row, with Lewis Jones leading the way, disrupted but on 50 minutes, their stubborn defence was broken by a converted try, followed by a penalty to go further in front.

Corsham rallied with an Ollie Deane penalty but, as they chased the game, it broke up, suiting the Sherborne style.

Another converted try followed but, despite Corsham losing second row Matt Crocker to the sin-bin, Sherborne could add only one more.