Away victory sparks hopes of a play-off place for Barton Hill

Local rugby: Barton Hill have their sights set on clinching third place in Western Counties North and a possible play-off after winning 19-15 at Widden Old Boys.

The Speedwell-based side have leapfrogged over North Bristol, who lost for the third match in a row when they were beaten 15-14 by second-placed Chosen Hill.

In normal seasons, the Western Counties North title winners gain automatic promotion and the runners-up go into a play-off.

But because of the possible league restructuring, Barts claim the side that finishes in third place will go into the play-off with the side that finishes in the same position in Western Counties West.

Barts' points against Widden came from tries by Kris Coot, Sam Steer, Yannis Yiasoumi and two conversions from Jack Steer.

North Bristol were without 12 first-team players through injury or unavailability but pushed Chosen Hill all the way in their encounter.

They led 9-3 just after the break thanks to three Greg Welsher penalties and were 14-8 ahead later in the second half after Lee Heal had touched down for his first league try, but they could not hold on.

Old Redcliffians, who have two games in hand, could still finish third but drew 26-26 at Gordon League at the weekend.

They needed a last-gasp conversion from Craig Owen to secure a share of the spoils after regular kicker Matt Manuel (hamstring) had limped off.

Reds were 12 points adrift before their fightback in the second half.

Tries came from Manuel, who also kicked two conversions, Joe Woodward (2) and Harry Adams.

Keynsham, the basement side for most of the campaign, are up to fifth-from-bottom after winning 41-3 at Old Centralians.

Russ Tanner scored a hat-trick on his comeback after missing the last four matches with a shoulder problem.

Chris Bees, Joe Blann and Chris Eames also crossed the whitewash. Paul Edson landed three conversions and a penalty. Gaz Deere hit a conversion.

Thornbury cast aside their recent poor form and clinically dismantled Berry Hill 46-24.

Seven tries, and 16 points from Simon Weaver saw Thornbury move up two places in the table.

Sam Olde opened the scoring with an early try before Weaver kicked a penalty.

Then Berry Hill hit back with two tries from their pack to take the lead before Tom Guzman and Weaver added touchdowns before half-time.

Guzman and Olde scored again after the interval and further scores from Ben Fowkes and Jon Day wrapped up the points.