TROWBRIDGE edged closer to the Southern Counties South championship with
this decisive victory over their near neighbours, who are fighting against
relegation to the Dorset and Wiltshire League.
With Frome being defeated at North Dorset, the weekend's results have
assured Trowbridge of at least a play-off place.
Wootton Bassett are the only side who can overtake them but their 41-8 win
at Dorchester made no inroads into the points difference deficit of over 100
points, so it appears Trowbridge need just to beat Dorchester on April 12 at
Green Lane to become champions of the Southern Counties League.
Trowbridge stared slowly in wet and windy conditions that did not suit their
game and Devizes were intent on disrupting in the forwards and they did so
with some success. Ex-Trowbridge flanker Jamie Little was prominent and an
early drop kick attempt was missed by Andy Thompson.
Trowbridge gradually began to dominate and in an early visit to the Devizes
22 the forwards drove prop Karl Parry over but the referee was unsighted and
ordered a five metre scrum. Soon after Ashley Chalk won the chase for a
Richard Jones chip into the corner and opened the scoring with a try.
Devizes returned to the attack and at this stage were able to compete well.
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A scrum was forced after some rather indecisive play and Ali Lund's touch
kick was charged down by Devizes scrum half Matt Monckton and he scored in
the corner to level the scores.
It was not until late in the first half that Trowbridge scored again but
their pressure paid off when flanker Dave Martin completed a period of
pressure by going over for his first try of the season.
Ashley Chalk, who had taken over kicking duties from the unavailable Lloyd
Davis, converted from wide out and did so again when Michael Johnston was up
in support to score late in the half. The interval score was 19-5 in
Trowbridge's favour.
In the second half Trowbridge gained total control. Soon after the start
Adam Sullivan went over and then Devizes went down to 14 men when No 8 Mike
McCrum was sent to the sin bin when he dived on a ball as it was still in a
ruck. The home side were fortunate not to concede a penalty try but Sullivan
went over straight after and Chalk scored his second try after some good
work by the backs.
All of these tries were scored wide out and none were converted but Chalk
did add the extras when Lund gathered a ball and scampered in from about
three metres.
With the match won and the score at 41-5 some complacency crept into the
Trowbridge play and after fielding a Devizes kick ahead, Barry Coombs
attempted to counter, with Sullivan in support, but his telegraphed pass was
intercepted by the Devizes winger who ran in from the halfway line.
Almost immediately Devizes repaid the compliment and Alex Hill playing in
the centre in Davis' place intercepted and beat the Devizes defence to score
and Chalk again converted to complete the scoring.
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