A difficult weekend for Tadley with a visit to title contenders Wootton Bassett. Bassett took an early lead with a penalty to lead 3-0 but this was eclipsed with a well worked try scored by captain and second row Rob Murray, converted by Chris Dennison.

Approaching the second quarter, Bassett, started to dominate possession using their weighty pack to gain territory with Tadley unable to maintain any periods of sustained possession. Bassett took any opportunities created and scored four tries before half time to lead 29-7. Despite a Tadley penalty being converted early in the second half, a heavy defeat looking inevitable after two further Bassett tries soon after the break. However, Tadley responded with their best period of the match, based on some strong forward drives, particularly from Gordon Grierson, Rob Murray and number 8 Mike Keeley and the ability to create quality go forward ball for the backs to attack with. From one excursion into the Bassett half, Gavin Dampies scampered through a hole in the Bassett defence to score taking the score to 42-15. With only minutes remaining winger Alex Pike breached the Bassett midfield defence, and the ensuing forward drives allowed burly centre, Andy Williams to crash over to score the final points of the game. FInal score 43-20.

Tadley now return home to face Minety this weekend in a proverbial "four pointer". Despite a lowly table position, Minety have proved difficult opposition for the leading contenders, holding Oakmeadians tryless last weekend. COme up and support Tadley this weekend at Red Lane, kick off 2.30pm

Tadley - Cole, Pike, Cox(E smith 55), Williams, Dampies, Dennison( T Smith 60), Bailey, Grierson, Wood, Lowe, Boats, Murray, Staley, Titley, Keeley(Roberts 60)