MINETY overcame Dorset and Wilts Division One rivals Wootton Bassett 2nd and appalling conditions to go second in the table.

They opened the scoring in the second minute when Harry Neale scored his first try of the league season, crashing over after a fine forwards’ move and the lead was extended when Jack Ward slotted the first of two long-range penalties after 10 minutes.

Ward’s kicking game and excellent work in the loose by the forwards kept the game even until a backs move involving centre Matt Roberts and Ward brought play to the Bassett 22.

A second- phase move featuring scum-half Max Sparrow and Ward led to centre Dave Church breaking the line to score the second try.

As the players struggled with the conditions, Minety pressed forward knowing they would need a good half time lead to defend playing uphill and into the wind in the second half.

A succession of penalties followed before Bassett scored their first try in the 25th minute but Ward’s second long-range penalty before half time extended the home team’s lead.

In a second half, played in even worse conditions, Minety repelled wave after wave of Bassett attacks until the visitors notched their second try, converted, to bring them to within four points However, the home side held on, coach Andy Ward saying: "I thought we played most of the rugby in the first half but some basic handling errors meant we didn’t have a comfortable lead at half time.

"In a tough second half, the boys never gave up, defended hard and came through for a good win in terrible conditions.''

Captain Wallace Hibberd added: “We attacked hard in the first half but were never comfortable in difficult conditions. Playing up the slope into a gale, with the rain driving into our faces, we were really tested in the second half by a well-organised and competitive Bassett team, but our defensive work and all-round performance was excellent.”