Corsham’s hopes of a bounce-back victory faded in the second half of their latest Southern Counties South encounter.

On the back of losing their unbeaten run in the previous week’s league match at North Dorset, Corsham started strongly against their Wiltshire rivals in this top-table battle.

The game started at a furious pace with both teams getting their hands on the ball early, but both defences were equal to the attacking endeavours.

The home side drew first blood when, after several quick phases of powerful rucking and ball carrying, number eight Ben Russell was bundled over for a try, converted by fly-half Rory Auld Bassett, though, responded as Jon Paul Travis countered a loose clearance kick and fed skipper and lock Dave Floyd, who released full-back Dave Martin for a try in the corner.

An exchange of penalties left Corsham 10-8 ahead in the last minute of the first half, but the visitors countered with a sucker punch to take 15-10 lead when No 8 Tim Gallimore’s surge set up scrum-half Craig Isles for a touchdown, converted by Duncan Fulling.

Bassett’s defence frustrated Corsham throughout the second half and with the penalty count rising in their favour, they stretched their lead to 24-10 courtesy of Fulling’s boot.

Fulling wasn’t finished there, however, and he darted through after a taking a quick tap penalty, and converted as the final whistle went.

Corsham now look to get back to winning ways when they host Old Redcliffians from Western Counties North in Saturday’s EDF Senior Vase fourth-round tie at Lacock Road.