BRADFORD on Avon claimed top spot in Dorset & Wilts One North as they fought back from a half-time deficit at Minety.

The home side had the howling wind at their backs in the first half but ultimately, their mistakes and Bradford’s power allowed the visitors to take the points.

Minety soon had the visitors under pressure.

Awarded a penalty after only three minutes, they kicked for the corner. From the ensuing lineout, the forwards took a neat catch and drive that saw Tom Windle bulldoze over for a try.

The game then settled into a hard-fought stalemate that was only broken when, with three minutes to go until half-time, Bradford mounted a spectacular driving maul that took them 40 metres upfield.

A series of quick rucks and short-range drives followed and tighthead prop Dave Lamplough crossed for the levelling score.

Minety responded immediately, running ball from the restart and Luke Radcliffe finished off a sweeping move with a try to lead at the break.

Bradford closed the gap with a Dan Bright penalty two minutes into the second half and, with wind and slope in their favour, pinned Minety to their line with a series of scrums and penalties.

Minety repeatedly infringed and eventually the referee yellow-carded openside flanker Gethin Roberts.

Bradford declined an attempt on goal in favour of a scrum and, when their hosts offended once more, the referee awarded a penalty try, which was converted.

The visitors wrapped up the win when Bradford full-back Charlie Holton fielded a kick and ran over from long range.

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