MELKSHAM captain Callum Hurn saluted his side’s first-half display for paving the way to victory over Swindon 2nd.

The home side ran in five tries before the break and, despite a Swindon revial, added a sixth in the secnd period for a bonus point win.

Hurn said: “We hit our stride in the first half putting together some good passages of rugby, but to their credit Swindon regrouped and came back at us in the second half.

“It was a great day for Steve Watson, scoring twice on his first team debut and for Nick Suter with a strong ball-carrying performance.

“On the whole I was very proud of the performance displayed by everyone.’’ Melksham’s momentum finally exploded into life in the second part of the opening half.

The first try came from Watson powering across the line.

Phil Williams then forced his way, with Rob Bailey adding the conversion.

A scything, powerful run from Suter, starting inside his half eluding tacklers until just short of the line where Sam Norris arrived to receive the scoring pass brought the third score, Bailey adding the extras.

The wingers were next in action as Nathan Jones received the ball out wide backed himself to touch down.

Watson then went in for his second, Bailey’s extras making it 31-0 at half time.

Swindon rallied for their first try, but Simon Foster received the ball 15 metres out and scored again for the home side.

Swindon battled on and were rewarded with an unconverted try.

Melksham veteran Steve Harris also got on the field before the end.

WINGER Jack Brooks took his points tally past the 100 mark with a try in each half and conversion as Westbury lost 18-12 to Sherborne 2nd in Dorset & Wilts One South.

MORE SPORTS NEWS & PICTURES IN FRIDAY'S WILTSHIRE TIMES