MELKSHAM bade farewell to league rugby at their town centre ground with defeat to second-placed Corsham in Dorset & Wilts One North.

The home side, who will move to their new purpose-built facility at Woolmore Farm next season, fell behind early on but Matt Glove touched down and Simon Foster’s boot levelled the scores.

Both teams competed evenly for the remainder of the quarter but the visitors’ pace through the backs began to shine and three more tries saw them close out the half 26-7.

The Melksham House side regrouped after the break, with Charlie Radcliffe touching down and Foster adding the extras.

The visitors countered, with another two tries taking the game away from the home team, but Melksham fought a dogged battle to get into the game, with Gareth Evans going in on the wing and Foster with the conversion.

Skipper Callum Hurn said: “There were no losers. We had our three toughest games of the season in one week.

“Lots of the boys were playing through injuries and the fatigue told in the end.

“On our last game here, I couldn’t be more proud of the team and the club, whose support and involvement are a testament to the values of rugby and this club in particular.

“We look forward with collective excitement to our move to the new ground.’’