DEVIZES slipped further off the pace in Southern Counties South as they suffered a second defeat in a row in Dorset.

The Saddlebacks had a strong wind behind them in the first period, but sloppy early defending allowed Sherborne in for the first try of the game, which was unconverted.

Sherborne continued to dominate possession, but Andy Thompson reduced arrears with a penalty.

Thompson added a further kick but Sherborne were playing sensibly in the conditions and added two tries before half time to stretch out to a 17-6 advantage.

Devizes started the second period better, carries from Lewis Paget, Rory Brown, Craig Bryant and Mark Carter being initially repelled by the home side.

Bringing on Julian Taylor and Chris Barter for Tim Alchin and Sam Jones, boosted the visitors, as did a yellow card for Sherborne and after Brown's break, Barter ran over and Thompson converted from in front of the posts.

Shortly after, a rolling maul rumbled up towards the line and Alex Pattle splintered off the back to Devizes into a narrow 18-17 lead, with just over 10 minutes to go.

However, Sherborne kicked deep and pinned Devizes back, earning a penalty which, aided by the elements, they kicked to snatch victory.