A HAT-TRICK of tries from Luke Esnouf consolidated high-flying Salisbury RFC's second place after "winning ugly" against basement-locked Swanage and Wareham.

Green and Whites prevailed for the fifth time on the trot in South West 1 (East) with a 31-3 victory, piling the pressure on leaders Towcestrians who they trail by a mere three points.

In a cutting, northerly breeze at Castle Road, the hosts started strongly and a bullocking drive by Rob Best was held up over the line to prevent a score.

It was nearly the interval before Jamie Miller broke clear and made ground from his 22 metre line, but was hauled down agonizingly short. Salisbury exerted pressure from their territorial gain and, from a succession of rucks, skipper Liam Gilbert crashed over.

In the second period, Luke Esnouf, who had carried well throughout, was rewarded for his efforts with a brace of tries, the latter following a mazy run.

Gareth Blackborrow then showed an unexpected turn of foot to extend the lead. With the hosts in the ascendancy, Esnouf was clearly looking for his third and, despite losing possession in the act of crossing the line, was rewarded for his determination shortly from the end with his third try.

Tom Lane kicked well with three conversions, whereas Swans had to settle for a solitary penalty.

Head coach Dan Jeffries, whose side have manoeuvred six points clear of third place, said: “Sometimes you have to win ugly."

They travel to high-scoring Grove on Saturday.

Salisbury United ran out 41-29 victors at North Dorset.

The visitors turned a 21-3 half time deficit around to win at Slaughtergate in Gillingham. Tries were scored by Mark Lerpiniere, Daniel Chick, Mike Bryant, Matt Stockton, man of the match John Bird and Jamie Wright. Bryant added four conversions while Tom Buckingham was successful with a penalty.