Royal Wootton Bassett triumphed over Launceston in a nail-biting encounter, reversing an early season defeat
The Cornish side, sporting their white kit to avoid a clash with Bassett's traditional black strip, started strong in front of a sizeable crowd, drawn partly by the annual Farmers’ Lunch held pre-match.
Despite being starved of possession, Bassett's defence held firm.
Launceston broke the stalemate in the 14th minute when Dan Goldsmith crossed the line after a forward drive.
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Scrum-half George Hillson converted, giving the visitors a 7-0 lead.
Bassett responded with renewed vigour, testing Launceston's defence.
In the 21st minute, No.8 Ollie Baycroft made a spirited run, and after a couple of quick phases, fly-half and captain Sam Baker snuck over the line.
Scrum-half Rhys Floyd converted, levelling the match.
Launceston soon added another unconverted try from Hillson, but Bassett remained undeterred.
With ten minutes left, influential hooker Sam Cantwell scored a tidy try, but the conversion hit the posts, leaving the teams locked at 12-12.
In a dramatic turn, Bassett opted for a penalty after a Launceston scrum infringement, with Floyd slotting the ball over to give Bassett a 15-12 lead at half-time.
The second half continued with both teams probing each other's defences.
A well-placed chip from Bassett saw winger Dylan Higginson held up in the corner.
The ball spilled free, but second-row Harry Butterworth, a standout in his first season of senior rugby, skilfully avoided a tackler and the touchline flag to score.
Floyd added an impressive conversion, putting Bassett ahead 22-15.
Launceston retaliated, with Ollie Bebbington scoring from a lineout, converted by Hillson.
Centre Cam Fogden then scored again, also converted by Hillson, swinging the lead back to Launceston and leaving Bassett with a mountain to climb.
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Despite the odds, Bassett relentlessly pounded the Launceston line.
With just minutes remaining, replacement hooker Phil Bardwell changed his running line, forcing his way over under the posts.
The veteran's bonus point try sent the crowd into raptures.
Floyd converted, putting Bassett ahead 29-26.
Launceston launched a final desperate bid to reclaim the game, but Bassett held firm, clinching a hard-fought victory.
Bassett now set their sights on a tough encounter against second-placed Barnstaple in North Devon.
Scorers for Bassett included Sam Baker, Sam Cantwell, Harry Butterworth, and Phil Bardwell with tries, while Rhys Floyd contributed three conversions and one penalty.
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