Trowbridge 32, Devizes 10

TROWBRIDGE proved far too strong for rivals Devizes, despite putting on their "worst performance of the season."

Skipper Nick Lawes revealed head coach Adrian Goldstone was far from happy with the display, despite the convincing 32-10 scoreline.

Lawes said to win well and perform badly highlights the quality of the squad Goldstone has assembled at Green Lane.

He said: "For us to play poorly and still come out on top shows we have potential at this club.

"We know we can't afford to play like that against the better sides in the league and we have to improve.

"We needed a win on Saturday and we got one. Another loss and heads would have started to drop - but the spirit in the camp is great at the moment."

Lawes said the victory was extra special because the Devizes line-up boasted three ex-Trowbridge players.

The powerful second row led by example as the Saddlebacks were crushed by a wave of attacks.

"It's always nice to get one over on your old team-mates," he said.

"That was the worst Devizes side I have played against, but in a derby match anything can happen.

"We made a quick start and after that we never looked like losing. At half-time we were 20-0 up and cruising. We really should have scored more tries."

Left wing Ryan Davis opened the scoring after just five minutes, and a penalty from Ali Lund gave the home side an 8-0 lead after the opening quarter.

Lund then converted a try from number eight Jeremy Almond, who sprinted beneath the posts from 22 metres, to extend the home side's lead.

Outside centre Joe Knight also crossed the whitewash to give Trowbridge a commanding 20-0 lead at the break.

Lawes added to the visitors' woes early in the second period when he crashed over the line after a powerful run from 10 metres.

Andy Webb finally got Devizes on the board with a penalty to reduce the arrears to 25-3 midway through the second half.

But Adam Sullivan wiped out any hopes of a comeback when his kick and chase bounced kindly for the centre to score. Lund kicked the extras.

There was just time for a consolation try for the Sadlebacks when openside flanker Jamie Little carved a path through the Trowbridge defence.

Webb converted to give the scoreline some semblance of respectability, but by then the game was beyond the visitors.

Lawes said afterwards that superior fitness was the difference between the two sides.

"I think Devizes were lacking in fitness and that's why we were able to put them under pressure," he said.

"Both teams were in the same predicament before kick off in that we were at the wrong end of the table. It was a must-win and we came through it.

"We need to beat teams like Devizes if we want to do anything this season. This victory gives us confidence going into the match against North Dorset tomorrow."