Ben Chilvers showed excellent composure to land two late penalties and clinch a 19-19 draw for St Brendan's against neighbours and Gloucester Two promotion rivals Cotham Park.

The visitors made a strong start, surging ahead with a well-worked try for winger Julian Hofflin, who latched on to a fine pass from lock George Walker, while winger Tom Aspinwall's break paved the way for Dom Carroll's score, Nick Comer converting, for a 12-point advantage.

Prop Perry Bezer got Brendan's on the board with a close-range try, while Chilvers' first penalty reduced the deficit to 12-8 at the turnaround.

And the home side maintained that momentum to take the lead for the first time, flanker Dave Lee-Jones crashing over for an unconverted score.

Back came Cotham Park with a score under the posts from skipper Craig Coulstring, Comer converting to make it 19-13 with five minutes to go.

But Brendan's put the pressure back on, earning penalty chances which Chilvers landed to secure the draw.

Old Bristolians went further clear at the top of Gloucester One with a hard-fought home win over Ashley Down, who led 12-0 before the Failand outfit rattled up 29 points without reply.

Tries from second row James Byrne and skipper Dan Evans helped put the home side level before open-side flanker Liam De Glanville's score and Lyndon Davies' second conversion made it 19-12 at half-time.

Bristolians dominated the second half, but it was not until the final 15 minutes that they finally pulled clear, hooker Nick Cussen and top scorer Steve Forster polishing off two smart moves to seal their side's seventh straight league win.

Bishopston produced an improved performance but went down 16-13 at Longlevens. Two Jon Martin penalties kept the visitors in touch as Longlevens turned around 10-6 in front before Luke Pargeter, making his first senior start of the season, touched down a fine solo score, Martin converting, for a 13-10 lead.

But Longlevens put the squeeze on, earning two penalties in kickable areas to take the points.

In Gloucester Premier, Bristol Saracens battled back from 10-0 down for an 11-10 triumph at Tewkesbury.

Young winger John Lennox launched the fightback with a try, Bobby Leach adding a penalty before the break. And a second Leach kick, 10 minutes from time, edged his side in front.