A DISAPPOINTING overall performance by Minety saw them lose their third Dorset and Wilts Division One fixture in a row.

A good first half for the visitors was followed by a nightmare second in which nothing seemed to go right and a narrow lead was soon washed away.

Minety started off reasonably well, dominating in the forwards but giving away too much turn-over ball.

The opening score came when the pack took the ball in broken play and moved it up the field from the halfway line to Blandford's 22 in a series of determined rucks and mauls. The ball was released to the backs for winger Simon Barrett to mark his return to the team with an excellent try in the corner.

Minety maintained their five-point lead until the interval, but after that, everything seemed to go wrong.

Blandford got onto the score sheet with an early penalty and followed up with a try mid-way through the half.

Now three points adrift, Minety battled on, but seemed without either luck or inspiration. Two minutes from end, Minety launched yet another attack on their hosts' line only to see themselves once more dispossessed by the Blandford forwards. Blandford booted the ball away down the middle of the field, where the two Minety defenders on duty were both beaten by the awkward bounce. Blandford streamed after the loose ball, and in a kick-and-chase, it was a Blandford player who reached the bobbling ball first.

This Saturday, Minety are due to travel away to play Trowbridge in the league. This is a problem for Minety, as it coincides with the wedding in Malmesbury of club stalwart James Tweedale.

Trowbridge have indicated their willingness to reschedule the game, but the league administrators have so far withheld their permission.