MINETY were let down by poor tackling as they conceded three tries in freezing conditions in Bath.

Down opened the scoring with a converted try but, defying sleet and snow, the visitors did their best to get back on terms.

Gareth Peirce jumped well at the lineout and Tom Fitzcharles and Duncan Simpson made some excellent breaks, with sterling work up front by props Craig Smith and Andy Hurley and flanker Steve Brown.

The home side made further inroads after the break, running in two further tries.

Minety’s points came from a try by Piers Dixon.

Minety’s second string had to battle hard to hold on for a 5-5 draw with Melksham 3rd in Dorset & Wilts Three North.

Following the postponement of their first and second team games, Melksham had players to choose from and a full set of reserves to call on for their fixture against Minety, who were travelling with only one replacement.

The home side struck first with a controversial early score. Minety claiming that their players had been taken out off the ball.

But struck back immediately. Scrum-half Rich Garbett broke away from a maul on his own 22 to run the length of the field.

Minety Academy lock Josh Gainey put in some impressive runs but it was the front row of Toby Edmonds, Matt Park and Steve Murray who made the greatest impact.

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