A LATE penalty by Joe Bartlett earned Wimborne a losing bonus point in an enthralling 24-18 defeat to Old Patesians in South West One East.
Old Pats took an early lead from a penalty goal but the hosts levelled matters when following an offside, Bartlett slotted over the resultant kick.
After Tom Moysey broke from half way, the supporting Marcus Atkins showed impressive pace to outstrip the defence. Bartlett converted to give Wimborne a 10-3 lead.
Back came Old Pats with a converted try of their own and the home side were on the back foot for the rest of the half, with Moysey sin-binned and James Walton forced off injured.
The visitors made the most of this, running in a converted try to seize a 17-10 advantage at the interval.
Old Pats extended to 14 points their lead after the restart but the Minstermen's subsequent persistence was rewarded when livewire Mitch Stainer crossed for his first senior try.
With time running out, Bartlett slotted a crucial penalty.
Team manager Dan Draper said: "We can take much from this match against a powerful and well organised team, easily the strongest we have come up against this season.
"We have shown we can compete with the best at this level."
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