DEVIZES moved up into second place in Southern Counties South as they clinched a 28-17 triumph over county rivals Corsham on Saturday.

Building on two impressive recent away wins, the Saddlebacks claimed their third victory of the campaign against a side that had done the double over them last season.

The first half proved a close affair, with Devizes edging it 14-12 as second row Charlie Paget and scrum-half Andy Thompson scored converted tries, while Corsham responded with tries by Hamish Milner and Alex Bilton, the second converted by Kalif Barnes.

A third Devizes try arrived when flanker Craig Bryant used his footballing skills after spotting a mismatch in front of him to kick the ball ahead and ground it after beating the cover defence.

But again Corsham came back with try by Kalif Barnes to reduce the deficit to 21-17.

However, the home side played through the phases and it was Lewis Dodds who crashed through for the bonus point score to secure the win.

Corsham head coach Tim Draper added: "It was a really good, competitive game which was very similar to the one we had with Devizes at the end of last season.

"There wasn’t much between the two teams but the difference was that Devizes took their chances to score well and we didn’t.

"We were unable to convert the territory and possession that we had in the second half into points and that’s something we need to work on over the coming weeks. In saying that, Devizes defended with real tenacity in that period and deserve credit for that.''

Bradford on Avon are still on the hunt for their first victory of the season after they were downed 45-24 at Dorchester.

Travelling with only 16 players, the visitors competed well as Murray Dewar scored a brace of tries, full-back Adam McBraida also crossed and Lewis Somerville booted a penalty and three conversions.

Only 16 players

Bradford head coach Dave George: "We've got a spate of injuries at the moment, so it's like a perfect storm really.

"We've got a week off to regroup now and should have a few lads back then so hopefully we can get on track soon and get to winning ways.

"This league is a step up, however we have competed in every game and just fallen short a little.''