NEWBURY Blues’ proud unbeaten home record was finally ended as Royal Wootton Bassett pulled off a shock 14-13 South West One East win at Monks Lane, writes Richard Ashton.

Newbury had not lost in the league since last December, and more remarkably had not been defeated on their own turf since February 2015, but they had their noses bloodied by an impressive Bassett side.

Teenage wing Elye Darragh put the visitors in front with a 14th-minute try, only for Dan Thorne to cut the gap with a penalty.

Two David Hogg penalties made it 11-3 to Bassett at the break, before Thorne struck another three-pointer.

Newbury dominated the second half but a Jonathan Clarke drop goal made it 14-6 and Jamie Futcher’s late converted try was not enough for the hosts.
Newbury visit Swindon on Saturday (3pm).

Thatcham RFC

THATCHAM RFC celebrated the opening of their new clubhouse with a 20-15 Southern Counties North win at home to Beaconsfield.

A penalty try, a Simon Niven score and 10 points from the boot of Joe Leadley did the job for Thatcham, who visit Bicester on Saturday (3pm).

Tadley Tigers

TADLEY began the BB&O Premier season with an 11-6 success at home to Abingdon, Tom Jeffery using his pace to score a superb try and Chris Dennison kicking two penalties.

Tigers visit Hungerford – who defeated Drifters 18-16 in a tense affair – this coming Saturday (3pm).