STAND-IN captain James Gaiger pulled no punches about his side’s display despite them returning from Buckingham with three points on Saturday.

The Saddlebacks scored four tries but were denied a precious away victory as Buckingham scored a converted try in the final moments.

Number eight Gaiger, leading the side in the absence of injury victim Julian Taylor, said: “It was a very disappointing performance with poor workrate and defence throughout.

“Things did look positive when we had the ball and we threatened, however we will need a massive improvement to compete with Chippenham on Saturday.

“We are hoping we can improve on that performance to give the home crowd something to cheer about”.

Buckingham had been given a hiding at Chippenham the previous week but, after both sides were reduced to 14 by sin-binnings, Chris Barter the offender for the visitors, the hosts opened the scoring when Toby Smith broke through for a try.

A Rory Brown penalty and try from scrum-half Tom Collins nudged the Saddlebacks into an 8-5 lead, but Calum Gillie levelled the scores moments later with his boot.

A penalty to Devizes in front of the posts caught the Buckingham defence unawares with a quick tap taken for Gaiger to burst through, Brown converting on the stroke of half time.

The visitors’ position improved in the second period as Gaiger and Craig Bryant carried forward and Mark Carter burst through for his second try in as many games.

But the Saddlebacks began to fall foul of the referee’s whistle, second row Charlie Paget and prop Toby Randall being sent to the sin-bin and Buckingham scored a convetred try through flanker Phil Wright.

With ten minutes to go Wright burrowed over to levell the scores, but Devizes rallied and were rewarded as fly-half Brown spotted a gap and went through, converting himself.

Buckingham launched a final offensive though and drew level as Matt Payne powered over, the conversion leaving the scores tied.

Chippenham continued their fine start to the South West One East campaign with a 30-19 success at Witney.

Centre Ryan Surry and wing Brad Doggett each scored a brace of tries, fly-half Dom Riccio converting both scores and adding a couple of penalties.

Devizes have an afternoonof events planned as they meet Chippenham in the league on Saturday.

There will be tag rugby sessions for children, with a bouncy castle, barbecue and bar throughout the afternoon, with entry free and events starting from 2.30pm.