ROYAL Wootton Bassett extended their unbeaten run to a fifth game with an emphatic victory over a Keynsham side who themselves had only lost one game.

With Bournemouth forfeiting their scheduled league match and Bassett gaining maximum points, they were able to increase their lead at the top of the Dorset & Wilts Premier Merit Table.

Two tries in the first 15 minutes for winger Harry Russ set Bassett on their way and, despite an injury to talismanic captain Jake O’Neill, they extended their lead before the break.

A scrum was won against the head and diminutive outside half Dan Sweeney chipped through for Tom Davies to go over.

With two conversions from Sweeney also splitting the posts, Bassett’s lead was 19-0 at half-time.

Just nine minutes into the second half a well-worked lineout allowed Rhys Jones to carry forwards and centre Elye Darragh crossed the line.

Skipper O’Neill then returned to the field and added two further tries before the final whistle, with Sweeney also adding another conversion.

Louis Cowling, Jake Hughes Miles, Jason Went and Rhys Cliff all enjoyed impressive A team debuts.

Meanwhile, the Colts’ B team made it a perfect weekend for Bassett as they were 16-5 winners away at local rivals Supermarine to extend their own unbeaten start to the season.

The victory moves them up to second place in the North West Merit table with a game in hand over current leaders Devizes.

A good platform was laid by Bassett’s forwards in the opening half-hour with only resolute home defence keeping the visitors out.

However, Bassett’s dominance was rewarded after 29 minutes when number eight Cian Erry crossed the line, with William Fieldsend adding the conversion.

After 33 minutes Fieldsend stroked over a penalty after an infringement to extend the lead to 10-0 at half-time.

Following a discussion between match officials, Bassett were reduced to 14 men early in the second period after a collapsed maul. From the resulting penalty, Supermarine were able to cross the whitewash for their only try.

With Bassett restored to 15 men in the closing stages, they were able to pull further clear before the final whistle as Fieldsend added two further penalties to see his side home.