MELKSHAM slogged through the mud to to take a firm grip of second spot in Dorset & Wilts One North.
Conditions dictated a forwards-dominated encounter and Melksham delivered, scoring two tries in the opening half.
Both came from set plays close to the Minety line, the pack pushing over and Jerry Flower getting the touchdown on both occasions.
Minety were shorn of several players but their makeshift back row of coach Huw Jones – who was dragged out of retirement – Gethin Roberts and Andrew Hibbard prevented Melksham from pulling further clear.
Midway through the second half , the visitors backs executed a move and Phil Stone finished, Simon Foster converting.
Ten minutes from the end, Flower bulldozed his way over in the corner for his hat-trick try to secure the bonus point, Foster adding the extras.
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