DORSET & Wilts One leaders Bradford on Avon have heaped pressure on their final two league fixtures after suffering a 39-32 defeat to Warminster.

Warminster, who are now fourth in the league table, proved to be a frustrating opposition for Bradford coach Dave George, who admits his side now have no room for error in their run-in.

George’s side are four points clear of second-placed Castle Combe, with fixtures against Avonvale and Trowbridge 2nd to come.

The hosts were dealt a blow in the opening exchanges as Murray Dewar was forced to be replaced after suffering a hamstring injury, with his brother Ross on in his place.

Vaughan Conybear crossed the line twice for Bradford, while Sam Jones and Owen Martin both came away with solitary efforts, Jones also registered one conversion.

Ratu Siva Naulago and Ross Williams scored two tries apiece for Warminster, while there was one each for Manupaia Raloka, Dan McIntyre and Rupeni Rokoduguni, who also added two conversions.

Despite the defeat, George says there is still plenty to be positive about and insists the race for the title is still in their hands.

“We have third-placed Avonvale next, assuming their pitch is not flooded as it’s been under water for the last few weeks,” he said.

“It will be a tough game, but we go into it with a bit of confidence and we have a full squad apart from Murray.

“The last game of the season is Trowbridge at home, then we are on tour on the April 28, so if that game is called off, I don’t know if we could play a midweek game.

“That depends on both teams and the officials, we just need to have our fingers crossed it goes ahead.

“We just need to win our last two games. We have had three tough games recently so we know what we need to do.

“If we can win both of them, we have won the league. We know that and the boys know that. We just need to keep everyone fit.

“The commitment is there and the spirit is there, and the lads are all going for it.”

Melksham kept themselves above the bottom four places with a 37-10 win away at Wiltshire rivals Pewsey Vale.

The game was even for the first period, although the visitors snuck ahead when Adam Davies picked his line to cut through the defence off a scrum.

Melksham continued to get into Pewsey territory and Luke Wilkins’ drive for the line could not be halted and he touched down to put them 10-0 up at the break.

Pewsey rallied after the restart, catching the Melksham defence out to run in under the posts for a converted try and that was quickly followed by a penalty to level the scores.

Melksham responded and Jacek Gronkowski fed Chris Partt to get his first try of the season.

Ramping up the pressure, the visitors were again quick to strike with a driving run through Kieran Jenkins and Callum Gillard, which allowed Jake Spooner to touch down in the corner.

Melksham then notched another three points from the boot of Connor Randall and soon struck again when a chip ahead was collected by Dave Dyke to score, with Randall adding the extras.

Indiscipline crept into the game late on as each side was shown a yellow card, but Melksham’s win was confirmed by Rich Carlile’s try, converted by Randall.