MINETY’S hopes of going into the Christmas break with a win were dashed by a last-minute try from Trowbridge in Dorset & Wilts One North.

Missing several regulars, but benefiting from the return of their university students, Minety travelled with a full team and two replacements on the bench.

And it was they who struck first when student Ellis Garland slotted a sweetly-struck penalty less than two minutes in.

The visitors went on to dominate the half, securing plenty of ball and making a series of good breaks.

Playing his last game for the club before moving to Kent, lock David Hazell made his customary robust contribution before retiring with a knee injury and student Cameron Smith gave an excellent account of himself at prop.

Brimming with confidence, Minety repeatedly opted to tap and go when offered kickable penalties, decisions which seemed right at the time but which, with hindsight, probably cost them the match.

Trowbridge defended brilliantly and, despite their abundant possession and territorial advantage, Minety could not break through.

The home side brought on a replacement prop in the second half and his strength in the set pieces and pace with the ball began to turn the game in Trowbridge’s favour.

Now it was Minety’s turn to defend their slender lead, which they did until the 78th minute.

Finally running out of steam, the visitors conceded a lineout in their own 22. Trowbridge caught, fed and spread the ball wide.

Diving for the corner, Trowbridge winger John Morris appeared to spill the ball just short of the line, but the referee awarded the match-winning try.

MORE RUGBY REPORTS AND PICTURES IN THURSDAY'S GAZETTE & HERALD AND FRIDAY'S WILTSHIRE TIMES