Bradford on Avon 31, Colerne 8

BRADFORD caught a break on Saturday when fly half Tom Monks returned from his surfing trip to Morocco.

Monks inspired the hosts to a first league victory in three attempts with a brace of tries against basement side Colerne.

The win moved Bradford into sixth place in the Dorset and Wilts One North table after Chippenham 3rds were brushed aside by Swindon's second string.

Coach Dave George is confident Bradford can put together a winning run after watching his side play some fluent rugby at the Broom Ground.

He said: "It was a happy dressing room after the match for a change. It was nice to come in knowing we had dominated the second half and didn't leak any points.

"We were much stronger this week with Tom and a few other senior players back. If we can stay injury free then we could put a run together before Christmas."

Bradford travel to Cricklade tomorrow and will have a rest week before they tackle league leaders Minety on November 25.

After an inconsistent start to the season, George hopes his new laid-back approach to coaching will yield results.

"I told the lads to go out there and enjoy themselves on Saturday and that's what they did," he said.

"Even when we were 8-7 down I felt we had more than enough to win the game. We played some super rugby in the second half and got our rewards."

Monks put Bradford ahead with a breakaway try from halfway, which was easily converted by full back Joe Thomson.

But Colerne showed plenty of grit and the visitors led at the interval thanks to an unconverted try and a penalty.

Scrum half Tim Hardie restored Bradford's lead early in the second period and Thomson kicked the extras.

Monks then grabbed his second of the game, again converted by Thomson, before winger Ben Lumley notched his first try of the season.

Lumley combined with left wing Paul Gerrish before crossing in the corner to give the hosts a healthy 26-8 lead.

Bradford saved the best for last as James Tate and Tim Parker combined to set up Thomson for a wonderful team try.

"It was a beautiful day for rugby and the two teams put on a good show," said George afterwards.

"The game was played in the right spirit and full credit must go to Colerne for not throwing in the towel."