BRADFORD on Avon’s makeshift side slogged it out in the Ashley Lane mud to ensure the Dorset & Wilts One North title race took another twist.

The home side fielded a much-changed line-up with as many as eight regulars missing or injured, but a heroic performance, particularly from the forwards shut out the league leaders and sent Bradford fourth, just five points off top spot.

Head coach Dave George was forced to don the playing gear himself at scrum-half but it was new boy Billy Mitchell, who has recently joined the club from Westbury, who made an instant impact as he crossed the line for the opening try within five minutes.

Bradford also lost centre Cam Dewar to injury, but John King showed up well in the back row as the home side wrapped up their sixth straight league win.

Dan Bright also crossed for a try and, while missing the two conversions, landed a penalty to wrap up victory.

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