CALNE remained third in Dorset & Wilts Two North despite slipping to defeat against their Bath visitors.

The hosts' pack established control during the early stages with powerful breaks from Dave Evans, Bruce Harper and captain Tom Morten.

But a resolute Down did not allow Calne to have their own way and veteran Alan Wicks made a try-saving tackle in the first few minutes to keep the scores level.

The first try came from the home side after a 20-metre driving maul which enabled Mike Smith to cross the line.

The conversion was missed and the rest of the half was evenly contested.

Down attacked at the start of the second half but the Calne defence held firm with some fine tackles from Richard Kearney, Mark Webber and Chris McAlonan.

Calne were then awarded a penalty which was converted but this sparked a reaction from Down who hit back with two tries, one of which was converted, to lead 12-8.

In a see-saw battle in muddy conditions, Calne's veteran prop Adrian King dived over to score a converted try to regain the lead.

Calne looked the likely winners as they continued to press for the decisive score. However, with only a couple of minutes remaining Combe's persistence paid off as they make a break through defence to score the winning try.