SUPERMARINE slipped to fourth in Dorset & Wilts 1 North after losing a tight clash at Bradford on Avon 12-11.

Sean Millwaters’ side had won their previous five games going into the contest, but Marine were dominated by their opponents at scrum time and were consistently on the back foot.

The hosts gained a succession of scrums under the Marine posts and despite the visitors’ defence standing firm, they were eventually beaten as Bradford pushed over for an unconverted try.

Stu Dawson missed the chance to drag his side back into the contest as his penalty drifted wide to the left and despite Marine stealing a Bradford lineout, Josh Paradise was unable to cross the line after the ball was spread wide.

Supermarine continued the attack and were rewarded when George Cowley touched down for a try in the dying seconds of the first half, and while Dawson’s conversion was unsuccessful the two teams went in at the break locked at 5-5.

Bradford soon took the initiative after the break as Marine gave them too much space and they were able to barge over for their second try to the left of the posts, with the home kicker making it 12-5 with a straightforward conversion.

Dawson dragged his side back into the contest with two well-struck penalties, making it 12-11 and setting up a nervous final few minutes. It looked as if the Swindon side had won the contest late on, but Killian Spain’s try was chalked off by the referee.

Elsewhere in the division Minety beat Devizes 2nds 29-15 to move up to second in the table.

Kickers Jack Ward and Gareth Davies exchanged penalties early on before Duncan Simpson and Tom Fitzcharles crossed to give Minety a 17-3 lead at the break.

Martin Coe added another score to extend the lead before Devizes grabbed a try back, before Simpson added his second of the game to complete the win.

In Dorset & Wilts 3 North action, Minety 2nds beat Swindon 3rds 12-7.