Royal Wootton Bassett RFC concluded their most successful season with a tough match against Chew Valley.
Despite the 43 to 19 loss, the team from Wiltshire secured their highest ever finish in Regional 1, as well as avoiding relegation, which was their main goal at the start of the season.
The final match, held in Somerset, saw Bassett fielding a squad with six debutants due to a wedding and injuries.
Only nine of the 18 players from the previous game against league runners-up Brixham were present.
Despite these challenges, the team remained optimistic and began the game energetically, taking advantage of the slope and breeze.
However, Chew Valley, fighting for league survival, soon began to dominate, scoring an unconverted try in the 16th minute.
Read more: Royal Wootton Bassett beaten by Barnstaple in away match
Bassett responded with a close-range lineout, allowing centre Sam Cantwell to break through the defence and score under the posts.
Fly-half Rhys Floyd's conversion brought the score to 7-5, much to the delight of the travelling supporters.
Chew Valley quickly regained control, winning a scrum in their own half and running the ball through the Bassett defence to score under the posts.
The Somerset side continued to put pressure on Bassett, scoring two more tries in the final ten minutes of the first half, leading 24-7 at the interval.
In the second half, Bassett faced the challenge of Chew Valley's powerful forwards.
Despite their efforts, Chew Valley extended their lead with an unconverted try ten minutes into the half.
Bassett had a brief moment of success when debutant winger Sol Hopkins scored a try in the corner, with Floyd adding the conversion.
However, Chew Valley quickly responded, bringing the score to 43-14.
Bassett continued to fight, with young second row Sam Collier scoring an unconverted try near the corner with five minutes remaining.
The game ended without any further score.
Despite the loss, Bassett celebrated the successful debut of six players: Savenaca Golea, Jacob Jameison, Jackson Allen, Harvey Santacroce, Reuben Engley, and Sol Hopkins.
Read more: Royal Wootton Bassett triumph in battle of the All Blacks
The club also bid farewell to back row Josh McCafferty, who played his final game for the Wiltshire All Black colours.
McCafferty is moving to South Wales and leaves with the thanks and respect of everyone at the club.
Bassett's second team also ended the season on a high, securing promotion to Regional 2 Level.
This achievement, along with the first team's performance, was a source of pride for the players, coaching staff, and club members.
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