Calne (2XV) continued their challenge for league glory after a solid display at Wootton Bassett (3XV).

Before the game started Calne were sitting in third place in the D&W3 (North) league with Bassett in second. However, the visiting Calne side would not be denied and leapfrogged over their hosts with a 5-12 win.

The game was played in swamp-like conditions but thankfully the skies cleared just after kick off to delight of the drenched supporters.

Wootton Bassett started well and had the early advantage in the scrums against a much changed Calne pack. The hosts were quick to spread play across the pitch and look for gaps and it was not long before they crossed over the try line for the first score. The conversion was missed to make it 5-0.

Then Calne fought back with style and heart as they hunted the Bassett line looking for their own score. Daron Thomas and Gareth Pavey thumped holes in the Bassett defence as the big men constantly broke the gain line with interest! Due to the poor conditions it was important to have a game plan, and the visitors were more effective in making ground and offloading out of tackles. While Bassett continued to try and play a longer passing game across the pitch.

After Bassett's good start, the game changed momentum in Calne's favour, but they were unable to get points on the board. The new front row of Paul Wood, Jason Dolman and Tom Morten steadied up the scrums and the Calne spirit started to take its toll on the hosts.

After taking a knock to the head, Mike Charlwood went off and was replaced by Matt Snell, and this forced substitution turned out to be the turning point in the match. Within Minutes, Snell crossed the try line to level the score.

This gave Calne a real boost and put some great running moves together and Tom Porter, Mike Cyster, Tom Blomfield Anthony Jane linked up well and tackled like demons all day. In the forwards, Jason Wood and Ed Gillams had solid games at second row and James Morten ran like a winger and hit like a front row all afternoon.

The first half ended at 5-5 and the referee asked both teams to move to the other pitch (which was in worse condition) to save the 1XV pitch from being destroyed.

Calne had a great deal of confidence going into the second half and straight away took the game to Bassett. With Daron Thomas and Gareth Pavey still running through tackles it was only a matter of time before the visitors got the decisive score.

With 10 minutes to go and after some great positional play, Andy Pitchley touched down in the corner to make it 5-10 and the travelling support screamed with delight. Tom Blomfield had nerves of steel to add the conversion and all Calne had to do was to hold on for the win. To their credit Wootton Bassett refused to take the defeat lying down and came back at Calne, only to meet more stubborn resistance. After a promising attack on the Calne Try line, it was left to Tom Porter to find touch and claim the victory.

Captain Tom Morten was very proud and said "This was a great performance with so many changes (especially in the front row). We fought hard and proved again how big our hearts are! We play for each other and the town and we look forward to playing Minety 2XV (who are currently top of the league) in two weeks"