Minety RFC denied by Oxfordshire visitors in Southern Counties Senior Vase semi finals

In a match switched to Supermarine RFC because the weather had affected Minety's own ground, the Dorset & Wilts champions were ousted by their Oxfordshire counterparts in a match blighted by a number of controversial decisions.

After soaking up early Gosford pressure, Minety began to exert their dominance, running the ball through the backs with inside centre Matt Roberts proving a real handful for the Gosford defence.

Against the run of play though, the visitors took the lead after a penalty at the scrum gave them a kick in front of the posts.

Minety struck back but the Gosford kicking game always ensured that the Wiltshire team had to mount attacks from inside their own half.

Minety’s frustrations grew when an off-the-ball tackle on winger David Cooke, a late tackle on fly-half Tom McAllister and a trip on Ben Langridge all went unpunished.

When flanker Jack Ward was tackled without the ball in a clear try-scoring opportunity Minety were denied the chance to go ahead, but on 57 minutes a rare attacking move from Gosford saw a penalty try awarded after a tackle within feet of the touchline was deemed dangerous.

Ten points down and playing into driving rain and a stiff breeze, Minety regained their composure and their efforts were rewarded when Roberts ran in a try in the dying moments.

Minety coach Andy Ward said: “The scrum was strong and some of our passing was excellent.

"We enjoyed the majority of the possession and territory throughout and maintained our discipline.

"Of course, the lads are disappointed but we must give credit to our opponents; they defended well and employed a very effective kicking game.”

Captain Andrew Hibbard added: “It was a gutsy performance in dreadful conditions.

"We worked hard and were on the wrong end of some harsh decisions.

"We had tremendous support from the touchlines and we must thank Supermarine for allowing us to use their pitch whilst ours is still flooded.”