14253/01IT'S unfortunate for Devizes this league hasn't adopted the bonus point system. Then at least they would have opened their account for the season.

In the Zurich premiership, a bonus is awarded for scoring four tries or losing by seven points or less, and if this was also the case in Southern Counties South, Devizes would have two priceless points despite losing their first four league matches.

The Saddlebacks continued their habit of losing games narrowly on Saturday, and an inability to convert possession into points prevented them from overcoming a ten point deficit on their home ground at half time.

The constant near misses are frustrating for everyone at the club, but especially open side flanker and skipper Tom Reed, who watched his third successive game on Saturday from the sideline as he recovers from a knee injury.

"We can't fault anyone on effort, everyone's putting in 100 per cent, but we just haven't quite put it together on the field so far.

"We seem to do everything but score, and when the finishing does start coming off, we'll be winning these close games, not losing them."

Reed's facial expression during Saturday's loss was not one of a man enjoying his enforced rest, and Devizes are also crying out for some experience in the backs, with the shoulder injury to centre Darren Burbidge in the first game of the season putting him out indefinitely.

"Injuries to key players have hurt us, and we also have new players in key positions. It's not all going to come together straight away," Reed said.

"We have had some misfortune as well, key decisions haven't gone our way - but it's certainly not panic stations - the team is there to build on.

"Devizes seem to do this every year, we start slowly and then finish strongly. Once we do start winning, we will continue to win."

On Saturday, hard won possession from a tireless Devizes pack, spearheaded by prop Dan Masters, hooker Chris Billi, lock Mike Walsh and number eight James Gaiger, was frittered away by conceding numerous penalties and an endemic failure to retain the ball at the breakdown.

North Dorset were aggressive in defence and more penetrative in their fewer attacking opportunities.

From the kick off they immediately took advantage of a strong tail wind by punting high and deep into Devizes territory.

The ball was fielded by winger, Ryan Wallbridge, who flipped a pass inside to fullback, Jon Beddow. Unfortunately Beddow attempted to run out of defence without support.

As he was nailed by the chasing North Dorset backs his pass was intercepted and quickly transferred to an unmarked North Dorset centre who went over the Devizes line unopposed after only two minutes.

Within ten minutes the visitors scored again after regaining possession on the half way line and giving their winger a chance to show a clean pair of heels.

The conversion was missed but a useful ten-point lead was established.

Devizes had chances to reply but were unable to keep possession long enough to exert continuous pressure. Their main strategy of using forward drives through narrow channels were easily contained by North Dorset.

Hopes were raised after the break when a catch and drive from the front of a line-out forced a penalty which centre James Pople converted.

Incessant rain reduced the firepower of the home side, and at times they were out-scrummaged and out-mauled by a North Dorset pack that refused to wilt.

Pople, now at fly half, began to bombard the North Dorset line with high kicks and well placed diagonal punts. Scrum half Tom Collins followed suit, and a blind side kick which bounced awkwardly was gathered by winger Andy Webb, who scored out wide.

Devizes were only two points adrift with 25 minutes remaining. However the North Dorset defence held firm and even threatened to break clear when Devizes missed first up tackles.

The lack of on-field success has not bred a defeatist attitude within the club. If anything, Reed feels the resolve is stronger among the players.

"I think it is making us stronger and more determined rather than downcast. The will to win is certainly getting stronger anyway."

Devizes will need all that will if they are to overcome Sherborne away this weekend. Facing a long road trip themselves, Sherborne returned victorious from a previously undefeated Wootton Bassett on Saturday.