TROWBRIDGE slipped to only their second South West One East defeat in seven and first at home since the start of November.

Newbury, who were playing National League rugby only five years ago, started strongly and second row Josh Winfield escaped the Trowbridge defence for the opening try, converted by Richard West.

Trowbridge piled on the pressure through the scrum, Newbury skipper and scrum-half Dan Thorne eventually being sent to the sin-bin by referee Will Thomas for team offences.

The hosts were finally rewarded as centre Shai Bonnick broke and fed full back Ashley Chalk on 26 minutes, Lloyd Davis’s conversion levelling the scores.

Trowbridge second row Scott Williams then make ground and kicked ahead for speedy winger James Davies to pick up and outpace the defence to score.

A defensive error from Trowbridge allowed Newbury flanker Jack Walsh to pounce on the mistake to score wide out and another try just before the interval gave them a five-point lead.

Davis kicked a penalty to reduce the arrears early in the second half but the match turned after four minutes of the half when Trowbridge's young flanker Tom Coombs was shown a red card for what turned out to be a punch during a melee.

Newbury increased their lead when full-back Josh Bartlett went over, but Trowbridge rallied.

They were ahead through two Dan Smith tries, both converted by Davis kicks in windy conditions.

Trowbridge were winning 29-24 going into the final 10 minutes but the visitors forced play near to the Trowbridge line and, from a five-metre scrum, Trowbridge number eight Adam Sullivan was yellow-carded leaving his side down to 13 players.

The pressure told at the next scrum when centre Aaron McDowell found his way over the line and West converted to edge Newbury ahead.

Trowbridge had a final push for victory but were unable to break through.