DEPLETED leaders Pewsey Vale stormed back with six tries in the second half to maintain their unbeaten record at the head of affairs in Dorset & Wilts Two North.

Travelling with a squad of 18, but only four recognised backs, Pewsey were 15-5 down at half time but powered back after the break for their 12th victory of the league season.

Pewsey dominated the scrum, putting Trowbridge under pressure throughout the match.

After 10 minutes a well-won set piece in the home team’s 22 saw a pick and go from number eight Phil Vallis, lock Darren Draper finishing the move by dotting down between the posts.

Play became static in midfield with neither side looking like scoring until, after the half hour, Trowbridge scored three unconverted tries to turn the game on its head.

Vale's response arrived immediately after half time, hooker Jeremy Horton going over for a try with less than a minute gone, converted by full-back Frank Poulson.

Five minutes later, prop Guy Ellis hit the whitewash, Poulson adding the extras.

Next up lock Mike Paddick added a brace of tries in 10 minutes of Pewsey pressure, with two crash-ball finishes to the line, both unconverted.

At 29-15 down, Trowbridge came out of the blocks, rounding the Pewsey defence to score in the corner.

A yellow card to the home side for dissent eased the pressure and Vale scored two more tries, a second for Horton and replacement centre Reece Bryant going over.

A Trowbridge scrum near the Pewsey line brought them a further try in the dying moments.

Pewsey coach Mick Haynes said: "It was always going to be difficult with players out of position.

"Our team spirit, fitness and great support play paid off. In the second half, the offloading was faultless and the speed and accuracy of the support lines were perfect.

"It was a good performance against feisty opponents. Trowbridge’s bottom of the league position is due to games conceded to walkover, not performance in games.''