DEVIZES’ stay at the top of the Southern Counties South table was brought to an end as Sam Edwards’ second-half try gave Trowbridge victory on Saturday.

The visitors lifted the inaugural Dave Sullivan Memorial Trophy – presented for the first time as a large crowd and clubs paid tribute to the man who had coached them both – secured four valuable points and progress in the Bath Combination Cup with the match being a double header.

The Saddlebacks were seeking their sixth league triumph on the trot but both sides had to battle through atrocious conditions which made handling difficult.

A forwards-dominated encounter ensued, home fly-half Andy Thompson and opposite number Lloyd Davis attempting to gain territorial advantage with the boot.

Neither side could break the deadlock in the opening 40 minutes, although Trowbridge’s Adam Sullivan was sin-binned for a spear tackle on Devizes’ Mark Warburton and Thompson missed a couple of penalties.

The second half exploded into life, Thompson nudging Devizes ahead with a penalty.

But Trowbridge got the decisive score on the 55-minute mark, as a series of pick and drives allowed Edwards to burrow his way over, Davis converting.

Devizes nearly responded as Steve Rowbotham was penalised for a double movement on the line before cutting the deficit with another Thompson penalty.

With time ticking away, the Saddlebacks battered the Trowbridge line, man of the match James Gaiger making a number of significant carries but they were unable to produce the scoring moment.

Then, when Trowbridge were penalised 40 metres out, Thompson’s shot at goal which fell agonisingly short.

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