ROYAL Wootton Bassett Alan Low saluted the efforts of his pack as they got the better of local rivals Marlborough at The Common.

Bassett recovered from a half-time deficit to triumph with a try from number eight Bruce Elliot and two from full-back Scott Douglas “The boys did really well,” said Low. “The forward display from the pack was probably the best I have seen since I have been at the club, they really fronted up.

“Marlborough were stronger than what we expected and they managed to come out the blocks hard with the advantage of the hill.”

Bassett were forced to defend for long periods without Marlborough threatening the line but eventually a neat move saw Waisale Navunidakua cross the line in the corner for a 5-0 lead.

Within two minutes of the restart, a fine individual try came from Bassett number eight Bruce Elliot who peeled off the back of a lineout. Skipper and lock Dave Hogg added the extras, Scrum-half Tom Fieldsend drew the defence and allowed young full-back Scott Douglas to go over in the corner but Marlborough reduced the deficit as James Farrell, who had lost a tooth in the first half, powered over to score.

Bassett stepped up again and an almost identical try with Fieldsend supplying Douglas once more sealed victory for Bassett.

Marlborough team boss Mike Banfield said: “The players can take a lot of confidence from the game. The platform is there to build for a successful season.’’

MARLBOROUGH’S Alfreds Nomads played defeated Swindon 3rd 31-15 in Dorset & Wilts Three North.