Bassett break further records in sensational season

Royal Wootton Bassett came back from a half time deficit to claim a 33-3 bonus point win that meant their points total surpassed 100 for the first time in their history.

Drybrook are old rivals of Bassett with fixtures pre-dating the league era and no game there has ever been easy. Drybrook kicked off with the advantage of a strong wind that was to have a big influence on the game and immediately went on the attack driving into the Bassett 22. Only heroic defending kept the Forest of Dean side from opening the score early in the match.

Phase after phase was being defended with Bassett unable to break out against the wind. Drybrook turned down a couple of penalty chances opting for the lineout and drive instead.

In the fourteenth minute, Drybrook had an easy penalty in front of the posts and slotted the score to lead 3-0. Drybrook continued to dominate throughout the half but couldn’t add to the score.

Bassett had certainly been given a torrid time in the first half but had stood up to the test and kicked off the second half now with the advantage of the unrelenting breeze.

Although Bassett had good territorial advantage Drybrook were still having plenty of possession, but this was to change in the 53rd minute when a fumble on the halfway line by the Foresters was seized on by Bassett. The ball was fed wide to Henry Toomer who went around the defence to score under the posts. Rhys Floyd slotted the conversion and Bassett led 7-3.

Midway through the half a series of Bassett attacks saw Sam Baker make a decisive break. He was able to offload to Sean Marsden who went over under the posts.

Shortly after an upfield punt from Scott Parry wasn’t properly cleared. The resulting break saw Marsden add his second of the game with Floyd converting for a 21-3 lead.

Shortly after an attacking lineout was driven on by Joe Pettit who was able to pass the ball back out to Parry who went over for the bonus point score.

Just before the end, a Bassett breakout saw Toomer again outpace the defence and Floyd added the conversion for a final score of 33-3.

The game was a game of two halves, but Bassett were just two strong for Drybrook, particularly in the final 20 minutes. Bassett complete their league programme with a home fixture against Gordano after Easter.