After the disappointment of losing to Bradford on Avon last week the Saddlebacks delivered a much improved performance in most facets of the game except in the scrums where Tadley had the edge.

But effective tackling and positive play at break downs by Devizes reduced Tadley's attacking opportunities.

Locks Gavin Curnow and Will Paviour held their own in the lineouts and the back row trio of James Gaiger, Mike McCrum returning from injury, and Craig Bryant were influential throughout the game.

The strong, direct running and good support play of Devizes backs split the Tadley defence on several occasions and led to four tries.

Within five minutes of the kick off Devizes had 5 points on the board when number eight Gaiger attacked the blindside from a scrum and slipped the ball to winger James Atwell, who squeezed over in the corner. Tadley replied to level the scores with an opportunist try when centre, Rich McCrum, failed to ground a bouncing ball in the ingoal area.

Regaining possession from a scrum turnover Devizes almost scored again but winger, Matt Holloran was brought down 5 metres from the Tadley line.

The visitors then missed a penalty and drop goal attempt before Gaiger collected a loose ball, beat three defenders and set skipper Mike McCrum off on a scorching run to score.

Holloran converted to widen the gap to 12-5.

Just before the interval Tadley reduced the deficit with two successful penalty kicks bringing them within a point of the Saddlebacks.

Straight from the restart Devizes engineered another attack moving the ball wide for centre McCrum to touchdown. Shortly afterwards McCrum claimed his seond try converted by Holloran putting Devizes clear at 24-11.

Holloran added another three points.

Tadley fielded a misplaced Devizes kick, counter-attacked and scored to get back into the game.

In the final minutes of the game Holloran sealed victory for Devizes with another successful penalty kick.