DEPLETED Devizes launched their 2014-15 campaign with a battling defeat to a Towcestrians side expected to be battling for promotion.
Without first-choice fly half Andy Thompson and centre Rory Brown (virus), the Saddlebacks lost number eight Craig Bryant when he dislocated a finger while running back the kick-off.
Towcestrians scored a converted try from Fen Gallagher, but the Wiltshire men hit back as hooker John Angell finished a sweeping move and wing Calum Conway converted and grabbed the lead as first-team debutant Rhys Harries, at flanker, touched down.
Towcestrians kicked a penalty, but Devizes led 12-10 at the interval.
The home side went into the lead with a further penalty after half time and, as Devizes lost number eight James Gaiger to injury, the hosts’ Joe Chambers scoring an unconverted try.
A yellow card for Gaiger’s replacement, Chris Lewis, allowed Towcestrians to seal the win with scrum-half Dave Stocks and the conversion being added.
Devizes host county rivals Trowbridge on Saturday and will hold a family fun day at the Chivers Ground, London Road.
A bouncy castle, barbecue and live music will be there, with match kick-off at 3pm.
A COMBINED Devizes 2nd/3rd team earned a 28-28 draw with Sutton Benger, number eight Luke Cador scoring two tries and Joe Alford and Craig Hurcombe one each.
Ant Brolan and Sam Jones each added two conversions.
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