DEVIZES remain on the coat tails of the leading pack in Southern Counties South as they closed out 2016 with a 27-10 win over Frome on Saturday.

Three wins on the trot have moved the Saddlebacks up to sixth heading into the Christmas break and they were in control at London Road by half-time.

Devizes got on the front foot with the backs looking threatening and Mark Carter cantered in to dot down underneath the posts, Rory Brown converting.

It wasn’t long before further good play saw fellow centre Jorge Wadman crash over, Brown again adding the extras.

Frome came back into the match before half-time, with two well-taken tries, the first from fly-half Josh Frost who scored out wide before winger Kurt Eckard went over.

But after a dressing down from head coach John Kimberley, Devizes responded well after the break and with Freddie Holmes coming on into the backline they extended their lead.

A superb cross field kick bounced into the arms of Chris Barter who drew the last defender to play in Holmes for a try on his debut.

Then lock Lewis Paget burst through the defence, offloading to supporting tighthead prop Matt Bishop who ran 20 metres to the corner for his fourth try of the season.

A late Matty Holloran penalty completed the scoring for the home side.

Marlborough's mid-season freefall continued as they went down 36-28 to second-placed Wimborne in Dorset on Saturday.

The Common side have now lost their last three games to slip down the table.