DEVIZES returned to winning ways in Southern Counties South with a 33-0 bonus-point success at home to lowly Dorchester.

The visitors did not seem affected by the long journey as they dominated territory and possession for the first 15 minutes, with several forays into the Devizes 22.

The Saddlebacks defended well to shut Dorchester out and soon struck at the other end following a well-engineered lineout.

The ball was played through hands and skipper Lewis Paget drew the final defender before putting Matt Strong in for the opening score. Chris Barter’s kick did not quite have the legs to add the extra two points.

Devizes built on this and soon headed up the pitch again, with another lineout leading to a maul that saw Craig Bryant bundle over the tryline. Barter was able to convert this time.

For much of the remainder of the first half, Devizes tried a little too hard to force the play and had to make do with a 12-0 cushion at the break.

The hosts settled quickly after the change of ends, though, and took control with two quick scores.

The first again was a well-engineered maul from 10 metres out which powered over the tryline and ended with Paget dotting down.

And the bonus point was then claimed with in style as Leighton Osbourne set off on a mazy run before offloading out of the tackle to Paget, who went over for his second score. Barter converted both to push the lead to 26-0.

To put the icing on the cake, Devizes got a fifth and final try as Will Hine showed a terrific turn of pace to beat the cover defence to go over. Again Barter converted to round off the scoring.

Elsewhere, Corsham claimed a bonus point in defeat after falling 24-17 at home to second-placed Frome.

Bradford remain rooted to the foot of the standings after a heavy 88-7 loss at home to Grove.