CORSHAM took control of Dorset & Wilts One North as they emerged with a 20-3 victory from their top-of-the-table battle with Warminster.

Both sides went into the Folly Lane encounter with unblemished winning records from nine matches, but the visitors made it a perfect 10 to take a four-point lead over their rivals in the table.

Corsham coach Tim Draper said: "It was without doubt our best performance of the season so far.

"The players rose to the challenge presented by a previously undefeated Warminster team.

"The result was based on an outstanding display by the forwards at the set piece, strong defence throughout the team and an intelligent game plan in the poor conditions.''

Warminster enjoyed some early pressure and the returning Jason Sprangle gave them the lead with a penalty, but the visitors led at the interval and pulled clear in the second half.

Tries came from Ben Russell, Dan Hewitt and Liam Snape, who continued his scoring run this season. Dan Goldsworthy added a penalty and a conversion as his side dominated territorially in the second half.

Warminster had moments of hope as number eight Laisiasa Vinakadina, centre Isoa Vulagirua, second row Connor McPherson and winger James Pinnell made breaks, but they were unable to make the most of their attacking threat.

Bradford on Avon head coach Dave George admitted neither side came to terms with the officiating as his side missed out on the chance to close back up on the top two with a 14-14 home draw against Chippenham 2nd.

The Ashley Lane men, already reeling from the news of a five-point deduction of a registering error, dropped further behind leaders Corsham as they could only pick up two points at home.

George though was left frustrated at the refereeing of the contest, with neither side able to build up a rhythm.

"Every breakdown ended in a penalty for either side and the game just never got going,'' he said.

"I think the referee was being assessed and neither side was very happy with how it went. It was a pretty unsatisfactory game all round really.''

Full-back Tom Bartlett scored a try for Bradford, as did Alex Burns, while Tom Park's two conversions ensured honours were even.

There was disappointment for Melksham, who were edged out 6-0 by Royal Wootton Bassett 2nd.