WEST Wilts went clear in second place behind Davis Wood League Conference North leaders City of Bath by sweeping aside Bridgend 3-0 at Kingdown School.

The home side opened the scoring through Mark Brothers and, as the first half progressed, both teams had chances.

Wilts were resilient in defence, man of the match Jonny Hackett playing a starring role, and doubled their lead through Matt Janes before half time.

Wilts continued to creat numerous chances in the second half, but they had to settle for James Baker adding another goal from a well-worked penalty corner as they kept a clean sheet for the first time this season.

West Wilts Ladies are five points clear at the top of the West Clubs League East Division after defeating Weymouth 3-1.

Playing their third away match on the trot, Wilts were up against it early on as the home side carved out chances.

The visitors finally clicked into gear and their opening goal came midway through the first half when Niki Stranks drove down the right to fire the ball into the D and Olivia Evans swept past the keeper.

West Wilts doubled their lead after half time when Michelle Hodgson passed to Fiona Pridham, who finished the move. Weymouth rallied and scored from a well-worked short corner.

Wilts defended hard and sealed the win when Stranks, who shared player of the match honours with Sarah Gibson, worked the ball down the wing and finished off with a super strike.

Honours were even as West Wilts 2nd and Melksham met at Kingdown School in Wessex Division One.

Welcoming two new players, Lisa Philips and Zoe Symes, Wilts started at a high tempo which resulted in an early goal for Lauren Trim, who tucked the ball at the back post after good work from Sally Tucker, Nic Yalland, Kirsty Stewart and Sharna Crowe.

Wilts continued to apply the pressure and were rewarded with their second via Katie Gibson, who held a good position in the circle to slot in the rebound after shots from Philips and Tucker were saved.

Melksham rallied with a well-worked goal, but they were quickly pegged back by Wilts who crafted a short-corner routine that resulted in Crowe deflecting the ball home following a pass from Lucy Diggins.

Wilts continued to push forward but conceded two goals in quick succession.

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