ROYAL Wootton Bassett made it eight wins in a row when they returned home from Milton Keynes with a 27-17 success in Southern Counties North.

And while Alan Low’s side aren’t focusing on securing a place in South West One East, the Ballard’s Ash chief says that they would be prepared to make the step up if it comes.

The bonus-point win at Emerson Valley saw Bassett close the gap on second-placed Aylesbury to just two points and maintain their place as the division’s form team.

“Nothing has changed in our aims,” Low said. “We are just taking it week by week.

“If come the end of the season we are in a position to go up then we will be ready.

“What is pleasing for me is the strength in depth that we have at the club and that is benefitting the first team.”

Milton Keynes took an early with a penalty on Saturday before Hamish Keith went over for Bassett’s opening try which was converted by Dave Hogg.

Andrew Phoenix bagged the visitors' try as he crossed in the corner.

Milton Keynes went over for a converted score reduce the deficit to 12-10, but Bassett restored their nine-point lead when Tom Fieldsend crossed and Hogg converted.

Hogg added a penalty to take his tally for the match seven points before Daniel Randell grabbed the all-important bonus-point score.

“We had a few players missing at Milton Keynes, so I was pretty pleased with the performance,” the Bassett director of rugby said.

“Milton Keynes may have been struggling this season but they have pushed quite a few teams close on their own pitch.

“We also had three colts in the side in key positions - eight, nine and 10 - and they were fantastic.”