WOOTTON Bassett won the fair play award at the London Irish under 10 Festival of Rugby, and later formed the guard of honour for the Guiness Premiership side’s match with Saracens at the Madejski Stadium.

The festival was played in appalling conditions, but Bassett acquitted themselves well against some high quality opposition.

The Wiltshire side failed to score in their opening four matches, but their effort was finally rewarded with a 10-0 triumph over Tadley.

Ben Ward crashing over from a well executed Penalty move, and John Lenton-Jinks completing a flowing backs move.

Bassett squad: Ben Ward, Brad Toseland, Daniel Lakenbrink, Tom Mutton, Jacob Frame, Rhys Cliff, Brody Anderson, George Blake, Lachlan Thorpe, Will Fieldsend, Jack Warren, John Lenton-Jinks, Louis Cowling, Josh Tyler, Toby Chamberlain and Zac Haskey.

  • BASSETT’S under 16s enjoyed a tense 30-25 victory against Devizes in an exciting encounter at Ballards Ash.

Both sides played attractive rugby despite the conditions, each scoring five tries.The difference was a penalty kick and a solitary conversion by Bassett scrum half Greg Davies.

Forced to play the whole game with just 14 players, Bassett found the going tough early on as Devizes ran in two unconverted tries.

But Connor Campbell struck for the hosts and a superb individual try from full-back Derry Thomas levelled the scores.  Seconds before the half time whistle a coolly taken penalty by Davies gave the home side a slender lead of 13-10.

An exciting second half followed, with both sides scoring three tries.

Bassett’s captain for the day, Gavin Ougan, notched the first and Davies converted to give the hosts a 10 point cushion.

Devizes hit back however, and two quick tries later the game was level at 20-20.

Both sides exchanged further tries, Devizes taking the lead once more before Bassett flanker Alex Scott was quick to take a tap penalty and weave his way over the line.  In the last minute, no 8 Sam Bardwell capped a fine personal and team performance with a typically powerful run to barge his way over the line and give Bassett their first victory of the season.