WOOTTON Bassett fell at the penultimate hurdle in the Dorset & Wilts 2nd XV Cup, losing 29-12 after an entertaining tussle with close rivals Chippenham.

Bassett managed two tries, one a penalty try and the other from wing Steve Rich, but Chippenham were far more clinical in attack.

Bassett skipper Gary Darragh was disappointed to see his side's silverware hopes diminish, but insisted his players had every reason to feel proud of their efforts.

Darragh, pictured right, said: "It was quite a close game and I don't think the score reflected just how competitive it was.

"I think Chippenham will say that as well.

"We were a little bit sloppy with the ball in hand and we didn't fully capitalise on the possession and territory that we had.

"Both teams had a very good set of backs and both tried to move the ball out wide, but Chippenham used it more intelligently than we did.

"I thought we dominated in the scrum throughout the game. It was just a shame we couldn't convert the chances we created."

Despite seeing much of the ball, Bassett trailed 17-7 at the break, a penalty try their only reward for 40 minutes of tireless endeavour.

Good work from the forwards eventually created a gap for Rich to break through in the second half, but Chippenham added a further 12 points to seal their final berth.

One young man who certainly didn't deserve to finish on the losing side was 17-year-old Dan McCarthy, who was making his debut for the Bassett second string.

McCarthy gave an excellent account of himself in the centre, prompting Darragh to predict a bright future ahead.

He said: "Dan is one of our colts and this was his first taste of senior rugby.

"I thought he was excellent. He competed well in the centre and made a few promising breaks. He is definitely one to watch out for in the near the future.

"Three of our players were called up to the first team on Saturday but I thought we coped very well.

"that just goes to show the strength in depth we have at the club now. Things are looking good for Bassett rugby."