LUKE Cador scored a magnificent five tries as Melksham rounded off their Dorset & Wilts One season with a thrilling 41-41 draw at home to Royal Wootton Bassett 2nd to seal a third-placed finish in the table.

The visitors approached the game with great endeavour, scoring twice in the first quarter after some powerful runs.

Both sides produced excellent rugby to entertain the supporters and Melksham soon got on the board with a first try from Cador.

The revival was short-lived, though, as another try saw Bassett pull further clear.

Three points were clawed back for the home team from the boot of Callum Hurn via a penalty, but Bassett remained in the driving seat until the break and their fourth try of the afternoon made it 26-8 at half-time.

Despite facing an uphill battle in the second half, Melksham were straight out of the blocks and a deft kick ahead from Rory Mulgrew was collected by Cador for his second try. Hurn added the extras.

Bassett responded with a penalty, but Melksham had shown they were capable good rugby and produced excellent handling out to the wing for Cador to complete his hat-trick.

Trading try for try, Bassett nicked one of their own to keep them ahead, but Melksham had hit their stride and scored three more tries in quick succession.

Two came from Cador – to make it five for the day for him – and one from Sam Norris, with two conversions added by Hurn to take Melksham into the lead following an outstanding fightback.

Bassett’s discipline began to unravel in the second half and they were shown three yellow cards as Melksham’s tally grew.

However, the visitors were not to be denied a share of the spoils and a close-range lineout in the final minute of the game led to a converted try in the corner to level the game.

Warminster finish the season one place below Melksham in fourth, although were unable to fulfil their final fixture of the season. They handed Minety a home walkover after failing to raise a side.