RUGBY: Melksham 18 Bradford on Avon 20 (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

RUGBY: Melksham 18 Bradford on Avon 20

9:00am Wednesday 19th December 2012 in Sport

BRADFORD on Avon scored a try in each half to eke out a pleasing Dorset & Wilts One North derby success at their local rivals.

Andy Kehoe’s return at centre after injury proved pivotal for the visitors as he, fly-half Jack Harvey and centre Dan Bright held up a dangerous Melksham midfield with their tackling.

Bright booted them into the lead with a penalty, but Melksham hit back and a driving maul from a lineout saw Jerry Flower go over for a try.

Bradford responded in similar fashion as Julian Tucker touched down, Bright converting to send them into the lead at half time.

Scott Simmons landed a penalty for the home side after the interval but, after breaks from full-back Joe Awdry, wing Ben Shepard and number eight Ed Dawson, Bradford added their second try as Kehoe, Harvey and Bright combined to allow Dunc Burnside to chip the cover defence and touch down.

Bright converted, but Simmons set up a tense finish, landing another penalty, then converting a late try from Simon Watts.

MORE RUGBY REPORTS & PICTURES IN FRIDAY'S WILTSHIRE TIMES AND THIS WEEK'S GAZETTE & HERALD