ALAN Low pinpointed Royal Wootton Bassett's 20-14 success over Trowbridge in South West One East as a benchmark of the improvement in his squad this season.

Bassett scored three tries to finally subdue a strong challenge from the west Wiltshire men, who had led 14-3 at one stage in the first half.

The Ballards Ash men have won five of their first six games heading in to a short break this weekend and Low said: "We got the result but when we left the field we were frustrated with our performance.

"That certainly came across from our captain Gavin (Ougan) in the reflections at the end of the game, but to be able to get across the line with the result was fantastic.

"The guys felt afterwards that it was a game that potentially, last year, we would have lost, what with going behind.

"That's where we have developed as a squad. It wasn't a good performance but we got over the line.''

Both sides showed early determination and a Bassett attack in the 10th minute saw Trowbridge penalised at the ruck for failing to stay on their feet, home fly-half Tom Fieldsend landing the penalty.

Trowbridge though, hit back with attacking rugby that brought a converted try and Bassett's resources were tested as number eight Neil Smith was lost to a leg injury.

Worse was to follow for Bassett when a superb flowing move from Trowbridge saw the ball offloaded several times allowing a second score under the posts.

Trowbridge led 14-3 but started to struggle with the pace at which Bassett were moving the ball.

A penalty on the 22 saw quick-thinking scrum-half Jefeti Vakalalabure tap and go over to reduce the deficit.

Then just before the interval a neat break by winger Scott Douglas was just held up but Vakalalabure was on hand again to add a second in the corner.

Bassett upped the forward pressure in the second half and midway through, Fieldsend delivered a delicately-weighted grubber kick that he was able to pick up himself.

The ball was fed to veteran replacement Kyle Lovell who was able to force his way over for the try. Fieldsend converting as his side held out for victory.

Swindon had no such luck, they were thumped 47-0 at Salisbury.

There was victory for Swindon College Old Boys, who clinched a 22-18 triumph at North Dorset, while in Dorset & Wilts One North, Supermarine lost 48-10 away to Warminster, Mike Baptiste and Johnny Kibble scoring tries.