A PATCHED-UP Minety team ended their fine Dorset & Wilts One North season with a loss at third-placed Avonvale in 31-13 that was closer than the scoreline suggested.

With a number of players facing their third game in eight days and giving season debuts to Jay Thompson and 47-year-old Scott Glew, the villagers had already secured fourth place.

Avonvale opened the scoring with a converted try, but Garin Garland's penalty reduced arrears before a second converted Vale try took them further clear.

Garland landed his second penalty on the stroke of half-time, but Vale added two more tries after the break to stretch clear and a penalty made it 31-6.

Minety had the final say however, flanker Ben Sellick intercepting and going over from 60 metres, Garland adding the extras.

Coach Andy Grayson said: “I thought it was a really great effort from the lads. They never gave up and fully deserved that try at the end. At the start of the season I thought we were capable of a fourth-placed finish and we’ve managed it.”