WARMINSTER clinched a Dorset & Wilts 1st XV Plate last-eight home tie against Weymouth after overcoming a sluggish start to deliver a commanding performance at Bradford.

The home side, fielding a changed line-up and only able to field forwards on the bench due to injury and unavailability, made much the better start.

But further injuries meant a reshuffled team struggled the contain the Amber Blues threat as they subsided in the secnd half.

Wing Ben Shepard got Bradford off to a fine start when he gathered a chip from Warminster’s Alex Payne and waltzed through the defence to touch down.

Jamie Birleson converted but with the Warminster scrum starting to dominate wing Kris Clayton dropped the ball after a chip from Rob Bell had put him in the clear.

Fellow wide man Dean Priestman also missed out on scores, due to bad passing, but the visitors finally got on the board when Payne went through a gap and sent Bell over.

Payne added the second try when Gavin Pratt went through a gap and found him with the pass, Jason Sprangle adding the extras, then booting a penalty before half time.

Warminster took control in the second period and Bell’s strong run brough him a second try, Sprangle converting.

The fourth try came when debutant winger Rob Johnson scored with his first touch.

Pratt rounded off the victory by darting in from close range and Sprangle’s conversion completed the job.

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