SALISBURY Rugby Club's fate now lies in its own hands, with the gap at the top of the table narrowed to three points.

While Salisbury were in rampant form at Castle Road to avenge their early-season defeat by Walcot, champions-elect Chippenham, looking ever more fallible, slumped to their second consecutive defeat in the league.

Having now chalked up 12 wins in a row - 11 in the league - Salisbury are continuing their march towards the top of the table and, along with fellow promotion hopefuls Cheltenham and long-time high-fliers Swanage & Wareham, are realistic contenders in a title race that looks set to go to the wire.

With every game potentially crucial in deciding the destination of the title, Salisbury made a timely statement of intent, keeping Bath outfit Walcot Old Boys off the scoresheet.

The visitors, who are coach-ed by former England player Steve Ojomo, notched up a surprise victory earlier in the season and Salisbury were once again expecting a tough task.

But, as the first half unfolded, it quickly became apparent that the hosts were stronger in every department and it took just 13 minutes for winger Phil Carr to open the scoring, sprinting clear to go over for his first try after Salisbury had spun the ball wide.

Tom Pottage was on target with the conversion.

Pottage kicked another three points shortly afterwards, when a Walcot player was caught infringing in the ruck.

Approaching half time Pottage had time to elude the Walcot defenders to take a well deserved try of his own.

By now, Salisbury were dominant and in injury time before the break, their continued dominance gave Phil Carr ample opportunity to go over for his second try.

The conversion points added by Pottage took the half time score to a comfortable 22-0.

Walcot emerged for ther second half having clearly been given a rousing team talk.

Finally starting to punch their weight in the middle of the park, they put Salisbury on the back foot, limiting their scoring opportunities.

The home side's defence proved equal to the pressure, as the game degenerated into a rather scrappy battle for possession.

A Tom Pottage penalty was the only score of the half, leaving Salisbury grateful that their first half efforts had been enough to seal a valuable win.

The title chase resumes on Saturday, March 1, when Salisbury face a crunch match at third-placed Cheltenham (2.30pm).

Salisbury's thirds ran out 41-5 winners against local rivals Wheatsheaf Cabin Crew in their Dorset & Wilts Division Two (South) contest.