IT WAS another ‘hard to bear’ Saturday for Pewsey Vale as injuries and unavailablilty meant they struggled to deal with Bradford’s pacy backline.

Pewsey were competitive up front and but lacked a cutting edge in the backs.

In the first half Pewsey conceded tries to veteran hooker Julian Tucker, flanker Sam Awdry and centre Nick Abbott, fly-half Dan Bright converting twice and adding a penalty.

Wing Ben Sheppard and centre Cam Dewar added further scores to take the visitors further clear in the early stages of the second half.

But Pewsey stuck to the task and were rewarded with fly-half James Haynes crossing the line for a fine individual effort, converted by scrum-half Tom Taylor.

The last 15 minutes saw Bradford add further scores, Dewar again, replacement scrum-half Gareth Wheatley, Bright and wing Jamie Astin doing the damage.

With five minutes to go Vale scored a consolation try.

Pressuring down the right side quick ball from the forwards had it whipped along the line for full back Nick Damper to go over in the corner, converted by Taylor.

Saturday’s clash with fellow strugglers Calne is a must-win game for Pewsey.

MARLBOROUGH were awarded the five points from their scheduled Dorset & Wilts Two North clash Swindon College Old Boys 2nd when the visitors were unable to field a side.

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