Wootton Bassett 81, Cooper-Avon-Tyres 3

WOOTTON Bassett romped to a club record victory in the Southern Counties South with a 13-try demolition of struggling Cooper-Avon.

The Tyremen left Stoneover Lane utterly deflated after conceding more than 50 points in the last half-hour.

The final whistle brought with it a sixth straight loss for the Melksham men, but coach Mark Simmons said he was more alarmed by the manner of the defeat.

He said: "The floodgates opened in the last 30 minutes and we just gave up. I have never seen that from this team before.

"We were like a boxer out on his feet. In the end I started putting water bottles behind our goal because I knew the players would be back there soon."

Simmons has remained remarkably upbeat this season, despite watching his side concede 276 points in their opening six league outings. But Saturday was the first time he has called his players' spirit into question.

"I know we are better than that. We have to approach every play as if the score is still 0-0 and keep focussing on what we're trying to do. I've said it before, but I'm not worried about results. It's the ongoing improvement I want to see - but I didn't see any of that on Saturday."

Simmons hopes the visit of Wiltshire rivals Devizes tomorrow will motivate his players to turn their season around.

The Saddlebacks are also struggling this term, having won just two of their opening six league matches.

"I don't think I'll have to say too much in the changing room because most of the lads will motivate themselves for a game like this one," said Simmons.

"You always look forward to derby matches when the fixtures come out and this should be another good battle."

Wootton Bassett were still smarting from last week's 29-0 defeat at Wimborne when the game kicked off.

By half-time they had established a 22-0 lead, with CATs defending admirably in the face of some fine attacking play.

But the hosts turned the screw after the interval and pounded the visitors with a barrage of tries. Matthew Trueman kicked the only points for CATs with a penalty kick from the halfway line.