DEVIZES gave in-form Witney a scare, but it wasn’t enough to prevent a 14th straight South West One East defeat.

Missing stalwarts James Gaiger and Lewis Paget, the home side paired Liam Young in the second row with Tim Alchin and started the first half well, making yardage.

The Witney defence held firm, but infringements pegged them back and from one, Rory Brown booted the home side into the lead with a penalty.

Witney came back with a strong spell and drew level when George Lewis landed a kick, but Devizes established a good position as Brown kicked a second penalty before Andy Thompson struck a 30 metre drop goal to extend the advantage.

Lewis’s second penalty reduced arrears and the second period got off to a bad start for the Saddlebacks as winger James Monks scored a try.

Playing with the wind, Witney worked their way upfield and centre Jake Thomas was bundled over for their second try to take a 16-9 lead.

Devizes continued to compete manfully but the visitors finished strongly, David Hyde bursting through to touch down for a try Lewis converted. The fourth bonus-point arrived in injury time.