BATH & Wiltshire Romans remain unbeaten at the top of the West of England League after a dramatic 30-30 draw with rivals Bristol Sonics.

The Romans were below their usual standards but pulled off a rescue after defeat had looked likely.

The leaders had a slender 18-10 at half-time after tries from prop Clayton Haigh, who made a break from 35 metres out then sidestepped the full-back.

The other two Romans tries in the first half came off training-ground moves. Full-back Jimmy Godfrey claimed the second with forward Russ Preston going in from short range for the other, all three being converted by loose forward Joe Knight.

The Sonics responded with scores from Tony Harvey and Johan Schoemann, plus a Dom Swann conversion.

The visitors extended their lead with a second try from Godfrey before the Sonics lost skipper Alex Potts to injury.

Despite his absence, the home side took the lead for the first time.

Touchdowns from Dan Brooker, Sam Hodge, Dam Stuart-Cummins and a length-of-the-field score from Jack Farler, plus two Swann goals gave the Sonics a 30-24 advantage before Brooker was sent to the sin-bin.

The Romans scored a try through player-coach Tom Howley, converted by Huw Parks to level the scores.

The Romans host Bristol in the return at Leafy Lane, Rudloe, tomorrow (Saturday, 2.30pm) in the final league fixture before the play-offs.