WOOTTON Bassett's Southern Counties South campaign ended with a notable performance, but narrow 19-12 defeat, to second-placed Tadley at Stoneover Lane.

The home side took the game to their opponents early on, but clever tactical kicking kept them pegged back before a Bassett infringement handed Tadley the lead from a penalty.

The visitors' attacks were frequently halted by fine defence, particularly from openside flanker Paul Hine, but they were able to add a drop goal and second penalty to stretch their advantage.

Bassett got themselves back into it as the half closed, Hine seizing on a rebounding Sean Millwaters kick to touch down for a converted score.

The second half started badly for Bassett as they conceded a controversial try, Tadley's flanker appearing to be held up over the line.

A five-man moved stretched the visitors' lead, but Bassett's bold approach was rewarded when fly-half Pete Thornton sliced through the defence and beat off the cover for a brilliant individual touchdown in the corner.

Bassett poured forward in search of the score to draw level, but Tadley held on.

Bassett captain Sam Fulling said: "It was a tremendous game and the team were awesome.

"I couldn't have asked for anymore from any of the boys.

"The intensity of our defence was simply outstanding.''

CHIPPENHAM concluded their South West Two East commitments with a 32-20 win at Oakmedians that ensured the Wiltshire side finished in fourth place.

They trailed after three minutes, as Oakmedians kicked a penalty after Chippenham were penalised for using a boot in a ruck.

Twenty minutes later, Oakmedians broke away but lost the ball and the ensuing counter-attack resulted in winger Darren McMillan scoring from 35 metres out.

Chippenham held that slender 5-3 lead into the second half when full-back Dave Spiers finished off a well-executed backs move out wide to score.

Then centre Gary Champion released winger Matt Towl on the blindside to make it 17-3.

But the visitors almost paid the price for taking the foot off the gas as Oakmedians closed the gap to four points with two tries.

But scrum-half Andy Williamson kicked a penalty for Chippenham and winger Towl crossed for his second to stretch the advantage.

Fly-half Dan Reynolds then scored an oppportunist try and Williamson added the conversion.

Oakmedians scored a late consolation try, but Chippenham coach John Rumble said: "This was a great performance.

"We had a lot of player unavailability for this game but the players who stepped in performed well.

"This will give the coaching staff a few tough selection decisions for next week's Bath Combination Cup semi-final at Walcot.''