Trowbridge visited Ballards Ash to play Bassett’s second string following their promotion from Counties 1. This is the first season second teams had been permitted to play at level six. It began with the hosts attacking until Trowbridge wing Alex Christopher intercepted and ran the length of the field to score a try that Tom Weaver converted - 7-0 to the visitors. Soon after Rory Murchison left the field with a hamstring injury but Rhys Redman increased Trowbridge’s lead following a rolling maul. This time Weaver’s conversion was wide. A try from Sam Harrison followed as the Bassett defence ran out of numbers but Bassett replied with a converted try. Trowbridge flanker Alex Chalmers went over following a good break from scrum half William Lennox and the first half scoring was completed when a long pass to left wing Alex Christopher saw him outpace the Bassett defence to score in the corner.

Trowbridge broke out of the blocks in the second half with two tries in the first four minutes from Kyle Oakley after stealing the ball at a line out and crossing from the 22 metre line, and the try of the match, a combined move from Alex Murchison finished off by centre Sam Harrison. A period followed with some strange refereeing decisions that confused both sides, but further Trowbridge tries came from Ben Mallett, Alex Kilbane and Alex Christopher, to complete the winger’s hat trick of tries. Tom Weaver kicked three more conversions, but Alex Kilbane suffered a serious shoulder injury after being late tackled and he is likely to be out of action for some weeks.

The two injuries to key personnel may seriously damage the side in the run up to their clash with league leaders Cleve at Doric Park on 4th October.

This victory edges Trowbridge above Chippenham on points difference after their away 28-22 victory at Keynsham, and into second place. It also lifts Trowbridge into second place behind leaders Cleve amongst all the level six leagues in the country.

North Dorset registered their first win 46-12 hosting Witney, while Longlevens maintained their chase with a 31-17 win against Cheltenham and Newbury Blues edged out Old Centralians by 23-20.

Trowbridge have no match next week with attention on the Ladies World Cup Final and league matches resume on 4th October when they host promoted and unbeaten Cleve who seem to be their greatest threat at this stage.