CRICKLADE coach Gavin Russ was treated a rollercoaster ride by his team on his 40th birthday. After storming in front Criocklade threw their lead away, only to snatch it back before the end of the game.

Paul Howse put them ahead with a try that Danny Lloyd converted.

Then captain Steve Baldwin went over and again Lloyd converted.

Lloyd then missed a penalty and Bassett came back with a try of their own from Daniel David which they failed to convert to make it 14-5 to the visitors.

Early in the second half Cricklade were awarded another penalty and Lloyd increased the margin by slotting it home.

But Bassett were far from finished and when Dave Parker successfully chased a speculative through kick, grounding it behind Cricklade's post, the Cricklade defence were nowhere to be seen.

Daniel David converted the easy kick and then only minutes later he was scoring his second try, which he then converted.

Cricklade were truly stunned by this inspired spell of Bassett offensive play and with 13 victories from 14 games, Cricklade now looked like losing two in a row as they went into the final ten minutes of the game.

Cricklade pressure to save the game resulted in a penalty being awarded and Lloyd's kick looked as if it was there until it veered at the last moment and hit the outside of the post.

With the last few minutes ticking away Cricklade took possession of the drop out and worked it to Simon Howse on the right flank.

He made a strong and determined run that got him past two Bassett tackles and over the line to put Cricklade back in front.

Lloyd's kick from just right of the posts was virtually the last action of the game.