Royal Wootton Bassett were edged out 13-12 by Sidmouth as the Wiltshire side still look for their first win since September.

Royal Wootton Bassett hosted South Devon side Sidmouth for the first ever competitive match between the club to round off the month of October.

Both sides were keen to claim points and move up the table as the away side had registered just the one win so far in the league season.

Sidmouth had the better of the early exchanges and territory but they were finding an unyielding Bassett defence as there was no way through.

The hosts also began to run the ball to try and create space but the Sidmouth defence were on form.

The match, whilst not a classic, was entertaining as both sides strived for the opening score.

Just as it looked as though the half might remain scoreless, a Bassett attack was again held up near the line. This time however, hooker Sam Cantwell was able to pick up and drive over wide out, as fly half Rhys Floyd slotted the conversion off the upright.

Bassett led 7-0 and held their line until the interval.

It was clear early on that it would be a low scoring encounter but both sides had done enough to believe they could snatch a result.

It was the visitors who now looked like they might score with some good attacking play and their persistence was rewarded with two tries from No. 8 Shaun Malton both unconverted and the Devon side were ahead 10-7.

This spurred Bassett into action again. With just over ten minutes remaining, Bassett scored when an attack was shifted across the field with a long kick superbly fielded by winger Henry Toomer who powered over in the corner.

The long-range conversion was missed but Bassett still led by two points. With just two minutes left, a controversial call saw the hosts penalised at the breakdown and Sidmouth fly-half Phil Dollman struck a penalty from distance to seal victory for the Devon team.

The match was a gripping encounter dominated by the defensive work of both sides.

It certainly felt like Bassett could have won but the territorial stats were in Sidmouth’s favour and they will be relieved to take the points after a poor start to the season.

Bassett secured a losing point which could be crucial come the end of the season and there is now a rest weekend before Bassett host Cornish side St Austell in another first ever meeting between the two teams.