HIGH-flying Wimborne stayed within reach of the top three after securing a bonus-point victory over well-organised Wootton Bassett.

The Minstermen were not at their best but still managed to seal a 26-17 win in the Southern Counties South clash at Leigh Park on Saturday.

Tries from Jack Moriarty, Sean Murphy, Marcus Atkins and Steve King – plus three conversions from Tom Moysey – proved enough to keep Wimborne in fourth position, with games in hand on the triumvirate of teams above them.

Ollie Hamer came to the All Blacks’ rescue with a try-saving tackle early on but Wootton Bassett moved into a seven-point lead after a converted score on 20 minutes.

Wimborne’s response was immediate as John Blackmore put Moriarty over in the corner to reduce the deficit.

The hosts were now well on top and the next score soon arrived. The ball was moved to the left and then recycled right where King made the break before feeding Murphy, who charged through two tackles to score a try which Moysey converted.

An exquisite chip and chase from Moysey led to Atkins going over on 35 minutes as Wimborne increased their advantage to 19-7.

Wootton Bassett got a try back before the interval but King powered over for the bonus-point score and Moysey added the extras as Wimborne moved 26-12 ahead.

Boosted by their formidable pack, the visitors claimed a deserved consolation with a late catch-and-drive try.

All Blacks: Tinsdale, Atkins, Valle, Best, King, Hunt, Murphy, Foley, Llewellyn, Moysey, Moriarty, Tarbard, Hamer, Maltman, Blackmore, Richards, Mikolajewski.