The winds of Storm Austin arrived at Wootton Bassett on Saturday to provide some of the worst conditions players have had to cope with in league rugby, but this had been predicted for the week running up to the match on Saturday. Trowbridge had to make several changes from previous matches and found themselves with both first choice wingers injured and unavailable. Conditions almost made wingers an afterthought as their defensive qualities were most importantly required for this match. Trowbridge only selected forwards as replacements. They were also without flankers Ben Mallett and Ryan Lech and still short of the injured Centre Sam Harrison and hooker Alex Chalmers.

Trowbridge had not beaten Bassett at home since the days at Stoneover Lane or since the days their hosts were playing in Regional Two. Wootton Bassett played with the elements in the first half this gave them a significant advantage, but it did not turn out that way because it is difficult to manage this advantage or make any significant headway. It was an old fashion arm wrestle and neither side were able to manage this advantage to the extent that there was any scoring in the opening period. Most of the play was in the Trowbridge half and the hosts dominated but handling mistakes put defences in control. Most of the drenched spectators could appreciate the way the defences prevented scores and the visitors best period came as the interval approached..

When the teams returned to the field It was clear that the wind was going to continue to be a factor and this favoured the Trowbridge side. They gradually gained control in the forwards and the tide turned after 50 minutes when forwards control resulted in Trowbridge hooker Rhys Redman forcing his way over for a try, converted by Tom Weaver. This gained a seven point lead that proved the only score until skipper Olly Bilton lead a late onslaught that conceded a late penalty in front of the posts converted by Weaver. There was some concern with what appeared to be an awkward injury to Bassett scrum half Rhys Floyd near the end and we wish him well in his recovery. There was another penalty opportunity in the last minute, but Weaver’s kicked went wide with the final kick of the match.

So Trowbridge conceded their first bonus point, but it was a well earned victory and keeps them clear at the top of the league. The home support may consider that Trowbridge will not continue their run of victories against some of the strong outfits they face in later matches as they progress through the league campaign, but time will tell if this is the case. Trowbridge move on to entertain Sidmouth next week for the first time before the first break of fixtures on the 8th November. Hopefully some of the walking wounded will return to action , but Trowbridge will be cheered by their second team’s first home league victory against Corsham this afternoon which will ease some of the pressure they face having not won previously.

Upcoming Matches