MELKSHAM moved up to second in Dorset and Wiltshire One (North) following a confidence boosting 29-12 victory over Warminster.

The hosts’ impressive performance was helped by a rampant start, which saw Alistair Smith successfully convert a penalty.

Strong competition in the minutes that followed saw Warminster pick out an overlapping pass to reverse their three-point deficit into a two-point lead as the conversion was kicked wide.

The home team’s response was to mount continued pressure in the visitors’ half. This forced three more penalty infringements, all of which were slotted by Smith as the half ended 12-5.

In the second half, Warminster turned on the style despite conceding an early penalty as they crossed the whitewash for a converted try.

Melksham responded and were quickly back in front courtesy of skipper Nick Suter’s brilliant work.

More of the same hard work earned Melksham another try as Warminster’s back lines felt the pressure.

Full back Adam Davies ran a perfect line to score - Smith’s reliable boot added the extras.

Melksham host Bradford-on-Avon this Saturday.