WARMINSTER stunned joint leaders Sherborne 2nd to give themselves vital breathing space at the bottom of the table.

Having been defeated 62-0 in the reverse fixture back in October, the amber and blues put in their best display of the season by far.

Skipper John McCredie’s side were quickest out of the blocks and dominated early territory, taking a deserved lead when the visitors back line were caught offside and Jason Sprangle booted the resulting penalty.

The first try followed as number eight Dean Priestman broke off the back of a rolling maul.

Priestman added to his tally of tries with another in almost exactly the same fashion as Sherborne failed to cope with the amber and blues’ well-drilled lineout.

Before the half was out Warminster added a third try as fly-half Gavin Pratt side-stepped through the defence from his own 22, Lewis Noble continued the move and winger James Pinnell shrugged off a tackle to glide under the posts, Sprangle adding the extras.

The second half started no differently, the bonus point try arriving as Priestman again went off the back of a maul for his hat-trick score.

As the game tailed off, Sherbrone hit back with their solitary score.

MELKSHAM failed to make the most of an early three-point lead as they were beaten 31-3 by Dorset & Wilts One North title chasers Combe Down.