Pople boot lifts Devizes (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Pople boot lifts Devizes

DEVIZES eked out another victory to stave off their Southern Counties South relegation worries but it was a close-run thing in a scrappy home encounter against Redingensians.

With both sides level on 12 points in mid-table, it was vital that the Saddlebacks secured two points to pull them further clear of any danger.

And their 9-5 success was due to the boot of James Pople, who landed three penalties for the home side, who got back on winning form after seeing their run of six successive victories ended at Dorchester the week before.

Elsewhere, Malmesbury claimed top spot in Dorset & Wilts Two North without kicking a ball.

The unbeaten Monks were awarded a walkover against scheduled hosts Swindon 3rd, the two points taking them above Colerne into top spot.

But Cirencester's Gloucestershire Division One promotion hopes are receding after a second successive defeat to lowly opponents.

It was another bad day in Bristol for Myles Ferris' men, who followed up their disappointing defeat to Ashley Down with a 12-5 loss at Old Bristolians.