WIMBORNE recorded back-to-back South West One East victories after overcoming Stratford-upon-Avon 17-12 at Leigh Park.

The hosts ran in three tries in a victory which saw them move to eighth in the table.

Wimborne were forced to rearrange early in the contest when Ryan Morrell suffered a recurrence of a leg injury.

It was Stratford who made the first breakthrough with a converted try after 26 minutes.

But the hosts rallied and conjured up two tries in the dying moments of the opening period.

The first came after a succession of forward drives resulted in Tyler Adams securing the touchdown.

Dec Foley then intercepted well and made 50 metres, only to be caught just short of the line. Wimborne recycled the ball quickly and Marcus Atkins was on hand to score, giving the hosts a 12-7 lead at the break.

The Minstermen had to wait until 10 minutes from time to make the game safe.

They moved the ball wide after a Stratford clearance kick failed to reach touch. Ollie Bourton took the final pass to score.

Despite the visitors forcing their way over once more to secure a losing bonus point, Wimborne held firm for their fourth league win of the season.

  • Tries from debutant Charlie Jewiss and James Gunn proved in vain as New Milton suffered a 41-18 home defeat to Sandown & Shanklin.

The hosts were powerless to stop Sandown running six tries in total, as they slumped to their fifth Hampshire Premier defeat in eight games.

Milton, who are ninth in the table, make the trip to Portsmouth II on Saturday, November 17.

  • Swanage & Wareham were awarded a home walkover in their scheduled Dorset & Wilts One fixture at home to Salisbury II – the visitors were unable to raise a side.

Swans have now chalked up six wins from seven games this season.

They are level on points at the top with Dorset Dockers.

The Bestwall outfit host third-place Wimborne II a week on Saturday.