MELKSHAM kept themselves in touch with the top of the Dorset & Wilts One North table as they shut out Trowbridge 2nd on Saturday.

Straight out of the starting blocks the hosts attacked with pace and power, driving the visitors deep into their half. Repeated drives at the line resulted in a penalty try that Gareth Evans converted before Matt Plumb collected the ball to touch down, Evans adding the extras.

The second half brought the forwards back into play, putting pressure on the visitors line and a driving maul pushing Simon Down over for a try.

Melksham increased their dominance as scrum-half Callum Hurn sniped through a gap from a quick tap penalty for the bonus point score.

Matt Glover’s break and offload to the pursuing Charlie Radcliffe reaped its reward, Evans adding the extras and the final try came from Aaron Brailey, driving over the line.

Skipper Hurn said: “We started very well, our pressure in the first quarter was relentless we eased off and Trowbridge sensed it.

"We re-established control in the second half to add four more unanswered tries.''