DORSET & Wiltshire coach Don Parsons admitted his side had found it tough going as they lost their opening RFU County Championship Plate pool clash 37-18 against Berkshire at Royal Wootton Bassett on Saturday.

Parsons said: “We had a young side out, most of their players came from clubs that compete at league level five where our lads play mostly at levels six and seven, so we were always going to find it tough against a more experienced side.

“But we gave away too many penalties and field position and they put our scrum under heavy pressure. Now we must look forward to our game at Witney RFC (on May 17) against Oxfordshire.''

Despite having only five of last season’s squad available, they were still in contention at the break with just three points between the two sides.

But as the second half progressed it became obvious that the more experienced outfit would take the spoils as the Twin Counties youngsters tired.

Five Devizes players were involved in the Dorset & Wilts squad, Rory Brown starting at fly-half, Lewis Paget scoring a try from the second row, Moses Navunisaravi at number eight and Jorge Wadman on the left wing. Chris Lewis started as a front row replacement.

Bassett lock David Hogg was also among the home try scorers.

  • DEVIZES' end-of-season awards dinner, which featured from Bath and England hooker Mark Regan, saw Lewis named players’ player of the year.

Other awards - 2nd XV Players’ Player: John Hume; 3rd XV Players’ Player: Max Gatley; Ladies Players’ Player: Denise Mullan; Trainer of the year: Jorge Wadman; Ray Smith Memorial Trophy: Seth Robinson; Clubman of the Year: Seb Hutchings/

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