PEWSEY Vale will have a shot at the Dorset & Wilts RFU 1st XV Plate glory after they saw off Westbury in the semi-finals.

Mick Haynes’ men delivered a solid defensive performance, taking their chances well to book a place in the final against Weymouth & Portland on November 28.

“We demonstrated our ability to score from anywhere on the field. Both our tries came from moves started 40 to 50 metres out and we enjoyed many more line breaks than the visitors,” said Haynes.

“Our pressure in defence restricted Westbury’s options. It is this sort of play that will see us through the season and I hope a successful cup run. I see shades of 2009/10 when we had our league and cup double.

“Having regrouped, following our relegation at the end of last season, the spirit in the team is excellent and is the basis of our performance.

“New players have given us a depth of quality we didn’t enjoy last season so, though we had six enforced changes, we covered all positions.”

Westbury fielded a stronger team than when the two sides went head-to-head in the league the previous week, whereas Pewsey had six enforced changes.

Both teams wanted to play hard but it was the quality of the defences that was the hallmark of the game.

The Pewsey eight just prevailed in the battle up front, this combined with lightning line speed in defence, gave Vale the edge.

Pewsey opened the scoring five minutes in as fly-half James Haynes slotted a penalty. Westbury responded driving by deep into Vale territory and were rewarded with a penalty, converted by number eight Simon Higgins.

Much of the first half was played in midfield. At the end of the first quarter from a Pewsey scrum on halfway, quick ball was sent to Haynes and he executed a switch with centre Joe Tavaga, who went through the gap. Flanker Nav Navelinikoro was in support but Tavaga went in for the try.

Westbury winger Rob Lewis suffered a dislocated shoulder in the build up to the try, which delayed the shot at goal.

When it was finally taken, Haynes hooked it left as Pewsey led 8-3 at the turnaround, although Westbury’s Nick Taylor had gone close to a try after some excellent work from the pack and super handling from the backs.

The visitors were positive at the start of the second half and centre Darren Fuller took a ball from fly-half Aaron Vaughan, cutting back inside to his forward support and breaking a couple of tackles, only to be bundled into touch.

Westbury’s doggedness continued with a fantastic kick charge down from Vaughan, only to knock on the pick up afterwards.

Pewsey got on the scoreboard again when wing Toni Bloomfield scored in the corner following expansive backs play.

The remainder of the second half was end-to-end as defences worked hard, with forced and unforced errors blunting attacking chances.