WOOTTON Bassett’s U17s fought hard to earn victory at Ballards Ash.

In a scrappy game dominated by the referee’s whistle, it took a last-gasp try from right wing Andy Saunders to secure the win.

Spectators were treated to an end to end game as both teams attempted to run the ball, but poor discipline saw the penalty count rise and frustrations increase as the match became a stop-start affair.

There were opportunities for either side to cross the goal line, but poor tackling from the home team allowed the Berkshire side to score a simple unconverted try and finish the first half with a slender 5-0 lead. Bassett’s U16s prop Josh Jefferys levelled the scores early in the second half with a powerful drive over the line.

Unfortunately, scrum-half Reg Davies failed to add the two points with what would normally have been a straightforward conversion. Both sides continued to be penalised for what seemed like every offence in the book and the referee warned both captains about the persistent infringements.

It wasn’t long before Newbury lost a player for 10 minutes in the sin bin following repeated offences at the breakdown and back chat to the referee. The home side was unable to take full advantage of the extra man, managing only a penalty from Davies to gain an 8-5 lead.

This slim advantage didn’t last long as Newbury came back with some powerful runs from their back line and regained the lead with a converted try with only 12 minutes of the game remaining.

Bassett pressed hard and having kicked away possession early on, now looked dangerous when they kept ball in hand.

Centre Kyle Burroughs led the way in turning over Newbury possession and inspiring his three quarter line with some strong runs to stretch the defence.

It was from recycled ball in the dying seconds that Bassett shipped the ball wide to allow Saunders to round his man and beat off the covering defence and score in the corner.

Coach Ian Midson was frustrated with the team’s indiscipline but said: “Our U17 and U16 squads have been plagued by injuries since the very first weekend of the season and we currently have 10 players out of action with long term injuries.

"The U17 team has relied heavily on players from the U16 squad, but all of those who have been called up have performed admirably and most have now become an integral part of the team.

"We’ve become renowned for always battling to the final whistle and yet again we secured a win with the final play of the match.”

Squad: Sam Bardwell; Tom Bloxham (U16); Kyle Burroughs; Connor Campbell; Greg Davies (U16); Sam Davies (U16); Will Earl; Rob Hart (U16); Josh Jefferies (U16); Brett King; Ben Pinniger; Craig Rayner (U16); Andy Saunders; Alex Scott; Ryan Warren