CALNE climbed to second in the Dorset & Wilts 2 North table when they made it four away wins on the trot with a 27-5 success on their trip to Bradford on Avon II.

During the early stages, Bradford played with more urgency as their centres looked to get the ball out wide so that their wingers could attack, while the visitors took their time to stamp their mark on the game.

The first half was a tight affair but Calne kicked well against the wind to keep Bradford away from their line and mount attacks of their own.

It was the visitors who made the breakthrough after good link-up play between Adam Young and Marcus Turner sent Adam Baker for the first try.

From the restart, the home side pressed for a response but Calne defended well with some good tackles from Tom Morten, Dave Evans and Matt Johnston.

However, a Bradford centre was eventually able to smash through a couple of tackles at pace, and the hosts got the ball to a winger, who scored to make it 5-5.

The game continued to be evenly contested up to half-time but Calne always looked in control and further scores from Calne’s Mark Webber, Turner and Baker put the game out of Bradford’s reach in the second half.

Keith Bradley, Dan Jones and Chris McAlonan put in solid performances and Bruce Harper made ground every time he had the ball as he put in another man-of-the-match performance.

Calne had a number of regular players on the bench and Rob Merritt was replaced by winger Jay Watkin, who danced around the Bradford defence to score a fine individual try, converted by Rhys Taylor.

Calne chairman Chris Austin said: “We started very slowly and Bradford certainly didn’t play like a team sitting at the bottom of the league.

“After coach Alan Wicks and captain Tom Morten read the riot act at half-time, we woke up and played much better.

“There is a real buzz around the club right now and we play some great rugby.

“We have a week off next week but then we host the league winners, Pewsey Vale, who have had a fantastic season and still remain undefeated.

“We are very much looking forward to their visit, which is our final home game of the season. We will then see how far we have come during this season of rebuilding.

“Our sponsors Bevirs Solicitors and Calne Lions Club will be delighted with recent results as since securing these sponsors we are unbeaten. The future is looking bright, so watch this space.”