Royal Wootton Bassett came out on the wrong side of a shoot-out as they were defeated 34-21 at Exmouth in their second game back in the South West Premier League.

Bassett travelled to South Devon bolstered by their opening day victory at home to Chew Valley. They were well aware that there will be no easy games this year as it proved against Exmouth.

Bassett kicked off aided by a sea breeze and soon went on the attack. An attacking lineout saw Bassett go close but it was defended.

In the third minute, a penalty in the corner saw Bassett kicked to the corner. The lineout ball was well taken and a forward drive saw hooker Mitchell Gough dive over through a pile of bodies for his debut try for the club. Rhys Floyd converted for Bassett to lead 7-0 to the delight of the travelling support.

Exmouth now began to get on top with their powerful and bulky pack retaining some good possession. Two unconverted tries in quick succession saw the Cockles take the lead.

Bassett’s young side were continuing to play some fast exciting and open rugby which was at times stretching the Exmouth defence. In the 28th minute, a period of Bassett pressure saw the ball thrown wide to Charlie Brook who created the gap and fed centre Woody Walker who charged over.

Exmouth then stepped up a gear and their forwards began to put Bassett under the cosh. Two tries, one converted saw the South Devon go in with a 22-14 interval lead.

The Exmouth side had used their physical forwards well and had secured the fourth try bonus point. An impressive start to the second period saw Exmouth add two further tries without reply to lead 34-14.

Bassett were not giving up and stretched the Exmouth defence with their speed of thought and fast pace.

With five minutes left, Bassett hooker Mitchell Gough picked up near the line and dived over for his second of the match.

Bassett now set about looking for potentially two bonus points for a fourth try and a losing bonus point. A grandstand finish ensued and Bassett went close near the end just failing in one move.

Overall Exmouth were good value for their win and look as though they may well turn out to be one of the better league sides. Next up, Bassett welcome another South Devon club in Ivybridge to Ballards Ash for what is sure to be another tough encounter.