CRICKLADE fought back from a 17-0 half-time deficit to clinch a 31-17 success over Bath Saracens in Dorset & Wilts Two North.

Following a masterful 48-17 win at Melksham 2nd the previous week, Cricklade suffered from lethargy and disunity in the opening half as Saracens jumped out into a siginficant lead.

Some home truths were told during the break did the trick though as Cricklade improved in all facets of the game in the second half.

Their first reply came via a good lineout, as a catch and run by Danny Harris saw the ball moved on to Ben McManus, who swerved past the remaining defence.

Chris Freeth added the extra points with a fine kick from out wide.

Minutes later Harris and a solid lineout combined again, but this time it was Callum Watkins who handed off the full-back before scoring, Freeth narrowly missing the conversion.

With the home team now buzzing, Saracens were hesitant and nervous and this allowed Rob Lindsay to step in and intercept for Cricklade’ s third try to tie the scores.

Freeth slotted the kick to move the home side into the lead and Cricklade’ s next two scores came from scrum situations.

The first presented Stuart Knight with the opportunity to dash through a depleted and weary defence.

The second came as the home team drove Bath back on their own ball.

A desperate and fumbled pass was collected by Jack Danford, who crashed forward before passing to Greg Roscow.