CORSHAM sprung a surprise on Dorset and Wilts Division One leaders Bradford at their Lacock Road ground when they stormed to a well-deserved victory.

Corsham's victory was all the more comprehensive than the final scoreline portrayed as they not only dominated the forward exchanges but more than matched Bradford's pacey and much-vaunted back division.

The visitors' early probing was repelled by Corsham's midfield of Tom Sandell and Nick Denham, and the home pack soon started to plough a furrow through Bradford's ranks.

This early pressure handed Denz Brockhurst the opportunity to kick the home side ahead after Bradford were penalised for offside.

Corsham's pack once again spreadeagled the Bradford defences to create their try.

Attacking the blindside, RAF flyer Steve McLernon was given half a yard, and that's all that was needed as he rounded his man to touch down for his debut senior team try.

Brockhurst's conversion extended the lead and he later slotted a penalty when Bradford transgressed in front of the posts.

Second row Tim Minty then had a try disallowed close in, and Corsham had to settle for a 13-0 lead at the break.

Bradford doubled their efforts in an effort to chase the game in the second half, and they closed the gap with a Phil Hill penalty and a controversial try wide out in the corner.

And in the final quarter, the pace of full-back John Clark eventually told as he stole through to level the scores.

But Corsham, having been denied another try for a forward pass, were not to be denied.

Another forward drive forced Bradford to err and with Brockhurst off the pitch injured, brother and fly-half Haydn stepped up to stroke the penalty over and seal a second successive victory.

Corsham take a break from league action this weekend when they host Bath side Oldfield Old Boys in a Powergen National Vase third-round tie.

Oldfied are the current Somerset Premier leaders.

In a cup double-header on Saturday, Corsham's second string entertain their Devizes counterparts in the Dorset and Wilts 2nd XV Cup.

Corsham 2nd 15

Wootton Bassett 2nd 20

A SECOND half try was all that separated these two second teams after a close and hard-fought encounter at Lacock Road.

The sides were locked together at 15-15 at the break, before the visitors sealed the honours with their second-half touchdown.

Corsham's tries had come from skipper Rich Morea and Steve Tye, with a conversion and penalty from the boot of Phil Kernan.