Royal Wootton Bassett RFC suffered a disappointing defeat against Sidmouth, despite a spirited fightback late in the game.

The Wiltshire side travelled to South Devon with high hopes after a narrow defeat against league leaders Brixham the previous week.

However, the start of the match saw Bassett defending against Sidmouth's initial attacks before applying their own pressure and taking the lead through a penalty by scrum-half Rhys Floyd at six minutes, making it 3-0.

Sidmouth quickly responded with an unconverted try, but Floyd restored Bassett's lead shortly after with another penalty, bringing the score to 6-5.

Sidmouth then scored another unconverted try, taking the lead again.

Although Bassett showed glimpses of promise, Sidmouth capitalised on their opportunities and added another try and a penalty before half-time, leaving Bassett trailing 18-6 at the break.

The second half began poorly for Bassett, with Sidmouth scoring a converted try at the second minute to secure a bonus point and extend their lead to 25-6.

An unconverted try under the posts followed shortly after, seemingly putting the match out of Bassett's reach.

Sidmouth’s lead was further extended by a penalty, making it a tough afternoon for Bassett.

Read more: Royal Wootton Bassett Rugby Club narrowly lose to Brixham

However, Bassett finally found their rhythm and began to play to their potential.

An attacking sequence of lineouts stretched Sidmouth's defence, culminating in winger Michael Clifton forcing his way over for a try.

Bassett continued to apply pressure, and No.8 Ollie Baycroft scored another try, which Floyd converted, reducing the deficit and raising hopes among the travelling fans.

Baycroft, who has recently transitioned from the front row to a back row role, played a pivotal part in Bassett's revival.

With the game moving to a close Floyd then kicked crossfield to Clifton, who scored another try.

Bassett, now chasing two possible bonus points, wasted no time with the conversion.

However, their final play was short-lived, and Sidmouth emerged as deserved winners.

Despite the spirited fightback in the last 20 minutes, Bassett were left disappointed by their lacklustre performance in the first hour of the match.

The defeat leaves them with a rest week before facing St Austell in Cornwall, the longest journey of the season.

Sidmouth's victory was secured with a final score of 35-23, with Bassett's points coming from two tries by Michael Clifton, one try by Ollie Baycroft, and two penalties and one conversion by Rhys Floyd.