PEWSEY Vale head coach Mick Haynes reckons his side passed a significant test even though their dreams of Dorset & Wilts Vase progress were ended on Saturday.

Vale were ousted from the competition at the first-round stage in a thrilling 30-29 defeat at Oakmeadians, both sides scoring four tries apiece, but Haynes says Pewsey proved a point despite their exit.

“This was a class game and no inch was given by either side,’’ he said. “It was a real test for Pewsey at level eight, which they passed as serious competitors.’’ A strong wind blowing directly up the pitch influenced each half and, leading 25-22 with three minutes to play, the Oaks seemed to have wrapped up the result with an unconverted try.

But Vale responded as they drove for the line from a scrum and number eight Phil Vallis went over for a converted score and, with 40 seconds to go, received the ball and surged forward.

But they were undone when a knock-on penalty gave the ball to the home team, who found touch with the last kick of the game.

Earlier, the home side were first on the scoreboard with a penalty after five minutes but, after a missing a shot at goal of their own, Pewsey scored the first try as quick ball from the forwards went out to wing Toni Bloomfield, who beat three defenders to score out wide, fly-half James Haynes adding the extras.

In the second quarter, the home team scored two tries, one converted and a penalty to turn round ahead 18-7.

With the wind, Pewsey enjoyed more territorial advantage and 10 minutes into the half, the pack pulled the defence out of position to allow Haynes to dummy over to dot down for the try, adding the extras.

A Haynes penalty nudged them a point behind and although with 20 minutes to go Oakmedians scored a converted try, Pewsey responded and solid forward play allowed the backs room to attack, centre Jamie Fox finishing off out wide.

Elsewhere, Corsham head coach Tim Draper admitted his side paid the price for a poor first half as they were beaten 35-30 at Swindon College Old Boys in their tie.

Three Dan Goldsworthy penalties had given the visitors the advantage but College moved well clear with a series of tries and seemed to have the game in the bag.

Corsham upped their efforts though and Tom Rodwell, Ben Russell and Alex Twigg touched down, Goldsworthy adding two conversions as they came up just short.

Draper said: “In the first half, we didn’t play very well and they (College) were stronger and more organised, but we upped our performance and physicality after half-time and got close.’’