WHEN Phil Stockley's last minute conversion attempt drifted agonisingly wide of the upright on Saturday it brought an end to Westbury's four-game unbeaten run.

The injured kicker dragged his win-or-lose effort narrowly wide of the right post as promotion-chasing Minety held on for a tense 12-11 victory at Leighton Green.

Despite the defeat, Westbury coach Jon Parker was in optimistic mood after another battling display by his injury-ravaged squad.

Parker said: "Considering the number of changes we had to make I was more than happy with the performance. As far as I am concerned this goes down as a win.

"We lost 29-0 to Minety last time out and this time they didn't even get over our try line. We also fell foul of some strange refereeing decisions, which cost us a few points."

In an error-strewn match played in monsoon-like conditions, both sides struggled to grip the greasy ball.

Four first-half penalties gave the visitors a 12-0 lead at the break as Westbury struggled to crack the strong Minety forwards.

Andrew Vaughan's penalty five minutes after the restart was complimented by a successful Stockley kick as Westbury reduced their arrears to six points.

With time running, the hosts got their reward for a spell of intense pressure when Lee Stallard took advantage of a quick tap-penalty to cross the try line.

But with an injury to his kicking leg and the rain lashing his face, Stockley dragged his conversion effort wide much to the delight of the drained Minety players.