BRADFORD on Avon head coach Dave George believes his side are benefiting from the increased depth in the Broom Ground squad this season.

The visitors’ backs starred as they put Devizes to the sword to stay within striking distance of the top two.

George, who featured at scrum-half in the victory, said: “It’s a good little team ethic that we’ve got.

“There’s a nice blend there between forwards and backs and it’s good to see that we have a bit of depth this season.

“Our back line did very well on Saturday and took them apart really, although they were given a great platform by the pack.’’

Captain Matty Holloran’s penalty was Devizes’ only score of the first period as Bradford built up a 21-3 lead. Tim Alchin went over from close range, Holloran converting and prop James Plank also crashed over for a converted score.

Alchin added a second later on as Bradford’s scores came from centre Dan Gunn-Taylor, flanker Sam Awdry, fly-half Dan Bright, who also added four conversions, wings Jamie Astin and Nick Abbott, full-back Charlie Holton and Si Orchard.

l MELKSHAM suffered their second defeat of the season as they were edged out of an evenly-contested match 25-24 by visitors Supermarine.

The home side opened their account with two tries in the first quarter by Matty Glover and Phil Williams, Rob Bailey converting the second for a 12-0 lead.

Supermarine found their form, responding with a converted try and two successful penalties to take the lead.

Towards the end of the opening 40 minutes Jerry Flower crashed over out wide for an unconverted try and a 17-13 lead in Melksham’s favour.

The second half was as tightly contested as the first, Melksham’s Charlie Radcliffe increased his side’s lead with a try, Rob Bailey’s conversion giving them an 11-point advantage.

Supermarine continued to battle on and were rewarded with two tries, one converted to snatch victory.

FOR MORE SPORTS NEWS, REPORTS & PICTURES SEE FRIDAY'S WILTSHIRE TIMES AND FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @WTSport