COACH Alan Low heaped praise on Wootton Bassett’s defensive prowess as they finished 2014 with a 17-0 win at home to Drifters in Southern Counties North.

Bassett controlled the game for large periods but had just two tries to show for their efforts through Bruce Elliott and Ieuan Clements. David Hogg converted both and also added a penalty.

The home side did not have it all their own way and Drifters were able to apply pressure on several occasions but an excellent backs-to-the-wall effort ensured the Bassett tryline was never in danger of being breached.

“We wanted to go into Christmas with a win as that sets us up really well for the new year,” said Low, whose side end the year sitting fourth in the table.

“It wasn’t the perfect performance by any means but defensively the boys were absolutely superb.

“Drifters got into our 22 a few times but we worked really hard and just kept driving them back. To nil any team is a very, very good achievement.

“We failed to really match that in attack as we created a few chances but our execution let us down at crucial times.

“We could have done better but it was just good to get the win to finish the year on a high.

“We just need to build a bit of momentum. We are not necessarily looking for promotion this year but just want a top four finish to build a good a platform.”

Low has now given his troops a bit of a break over the festive period but the players will be back in training next week to help the club’s second team prepare for a crucial cup game in early January.

“We had a big Christmas party for all three sides on Saturday and have said to the lads to go and relax,” added Low.

“There’s no training this week but we will train next week. The seconds have a cup game and will make sure they get the run in they need for that.”