Frome 2nds 7, Corsham 16

CORSHAM maintained their challenge in Dorset and Wilts Division One North with this unconvincing victory.

Forced into changes through unavailability and hit by injury during the game, Corsham battled their way to a result which keeps them second in the table.

Early dominance from the pack led to a first try from Ian McNerlin, who touched down following a forward drive from a line-out. The try went unconverted but stand-in scrum-half Denzil Brockhurst then slotted a penalty to make it 8-0 to the visitors midway through the first half.

Centre Chris Walker finished off a flowing threequarters move for Corsham's second try and a 13-0 lead at the break.

The visitors looked set to pull away in the second period but two injuries up front halted their progress and a resurgent Frome grabbed a converted try.

With the Corsham scrum struggling to regain their early domination, Frome were able to compete on a more equal footing and their defences stood up to the task when asked.

Unable to add to their try tally, Brockhurst slotted a late penalty to keep the visitors' noses in front and that's how it finished.

Corsham host Calne tomorrow (2.30pm) in a Wiltshire derby at Lacock Road, while the second team, top of Dorset and Wilts Division Three West, resume their league campaign with a trip to North Dorset 4ths.

W Bassett under 17s 0, Corsham under 17s 16

CORSHAM under 17s continue to grow in stature as they visited Wotton Bassett in the Dorset and Wilts Cup quarter-finals and came away with a convincing win.

The scoreline did not reflect the performance of the Corsham side, who played all but 10 minutes of the game in the opposition half.

Although the victory was due to an exceptional team performance, the forwards laid the foundations by dominating from the start. Rhys Jones was convincing in the line-out and time and again stole crucial ball from the opposition throw-in.

Scrum half Tom Simons slotted over a penalty kick, for constant infringement, after 20 minutes of Corsham pressure and slotted a second penalty on the stroke of half-time.

Corsham started the second half strongly and their efforts were rewarded ten minutes into the second half following a series of pick-up and drive phases, led by debutant Matt Hone, with No 8 Jones getting the touchdown.

The Corsham backs defended magnificently, with Will Hynon and George Berry producing try-saving tackles.

The game was secured in the final 10 minutes when the Bassett scrum, camped on its own line, was put under pressure and Nathan Rainer pounced to secure a well deserved try.

Corsham have now booked a semi-final home fixture against either Wimborne or Dorchester on Sunday November 19.

This Sunday the Colts play Avon in a friendly.