SUTTON Benger took a potentially decisive step towards the Dorset & Wilts Two North title as they clinched a 23-3 win at the home of nearest rivals Calne on Saturday.
With three games remaining Benger have a six-point advantage after their three-try win at Anchor Road.
A cagey first quarter saw neither side able to impose themselves but the visitors drew first blood when fly-half Ollie Maher dropped a goal at the 20-minute mark.
With largely parity in the scrum, Benger needed a fine cover tackle from Ben Pope to prevent a Calne try before the end of the opening half and, upon the restart, Calne coughed up a penalty which Maher landed to double the advantage.
Benger gained the ascendency and flanker Tom Pinniger galloped into Calne’s half before prop Lance Berkeley was prevented from scoring from a quick tap penalty.
Matt Rea bustled over to score the opening try for the away side, before Calne responded with a penalty.
With the home side down to 14 men, big carries from hooker Ben Pinniger and prop Will Creamer sucked in defenders to give Maher enough space to put in a cross-kick for Simon Kingsley who dotted down out wide, the try being converted.
As Calne pushed forward, resolute defence forced a spill and centre Dan Battley gathered the ball and ran the length of the pitch to finish off his own grubber kick to score the final try.
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