Trowbridge’s record when they have travelled to Witney has not been good but they won there for the first time last season. They were short of several first choice players for this trip but hoped they had enough resources but the third team had to concede their match with North Dorset 2nds on the eve of the match through lack of players.

First choice wingers Alex Christopher and Alistair Frost were in Dubai playing in a 7 a side tournament, while Skipper Ethan Hutt and coach Alex Kilbane were still injured and not available for the full back spot. Archie Robertson continued in that spot. No 8 Ryan Lech was at a wedding and Rory Murchison was still nursing a hamstring injury while a third No 8 Kacey Pike was injured in the first half leaving young replacement Fin Parsons playing the rest of the match. Will Lennox played at scrum half in Ali Lane’s place and forwards coach Olly Bilton had a back injury. It was only in the midfield and the front row that the team escaped these unavailability's.

Trowbridge attacked from the start in bright conditions. They dominated and scored four tries in the first 19 minutes to earn a bonus point. Lennox went over twice and left wing Oakley Milton and Archie Robertson also crossed and Trowbridge led 26-0. Tom Weaver converted three tries and the visitors were in control. But the home side then counter attacked and replied with four tries in quick succession before the interval. The tries came from full back Aiden Spence, wing Reuben Owen, second row Matt Webb and hooker James Merriman. But the home side were unable to convert any of these tries and Trowbridge had a six point advantage at the break.

The second half was more evenly contesting with both sides having their periods on top. There was no addition to the score until Tom Weaver edged Trowbridge further ahead with a penalty in front of the post and soon after Old Redcliffians second row
recruit Mitch Pursall dived over for a try, converted by Weaver. Pursall was concussed in the process and took no further part . Witney narrowed the gap with a try but with no conversion to this point they still required two further scores. A further converted try was scored to take them to within reach, but Trowbridge saw the game out in defence to prevent a winning score. Weaver kicked to touch to prevent that score and the final whistle was blown.

Next week Trowbridge host Chippenham to complete the first half of fixtures but Trowbridge’s points difference took a hit because rivals Cleve had a 110-5 win over Newbury Blues. Chippenham and Keynsham had big wins against Thornbury and Cheltenham.