ONLY a matter of weeks ago, Frampton Cotterell were staring into the abyss of a Gloucester Premier League relegation dogfight.

But now, they are almost safe after a fourth consecutive victory with a thumping 37-26 home victory over Cheltenham Saracens on Saturday.

Karl Whitelock was the try-scoring hero for Frampton as he went over for a hat-trick, with Rhys Thompson, Max Bleakman, Joe Cleary and Rhys Jennings adding more tries to the total.

Frampton were at the bottom of the table before Christmas but are now up to ninth in the table.

But basement team North Bristol look doomed to the drop after going down 48-7 at home to Old Richians.