MINETY secured fourth place in Dorset & Wilts One North with a 39-14 midweek over Swindon 2nd in a match switched to their opponents' home.

Fielding just 15 players and with several playing out of their usual positions, Minety rose to the challenge magnificently, securing the bonus point necessary to wrap up fourth spot.

They went ahead in the third minute when scrum-half Garin Garland slotted a penalty, as he did in the ninth minute to extend the advantage.

Garland was on hand to touch down for the opening try after a Swindon scrum had been wheeled and converted, as he did when centre Jack Hose kicked ahead and won the race to the touch down.

He then combined with flanker Kieran Tillotson to set up fly-half Dave Cooke for the third try.

Swindon hit back with their own score before the break but in the last play of the half, Garland intercepted and sent centre Ben Kingston over, before adding the conversion.

Minety added a further score after strong Swindon pressure as winger Ben Langridge intercepted a pass on his 10 metre line and drove forward before Howse fed Cooke, who ran in to touch down from 40 metres, Garland kicking the extras.

Swindon added a second try to conclude the scoring.

Minety coach Andy Grayson said: “It was a fine all round team performance.

"We achieved what we set out to do, gain that win and the bonus point, and did it against a spirited and doughty Swindon side.

"A number of performances caught the eye but man of the match must go to Dave Cooke, playing his first-ever match at fly-half, who took his two tries well and impressed throughout.”

Minety travel to Avonvale on Saturday for their final match of the season.

Minety 2nd XV ended their Dorset & Wilts Three North campaign, beaten by champions Corsham in a tight game by 26-10 at Minety Fields.