Devizes vs Salisbury away 29th Jan 2012

Salisbury Ladies faced old rivals Devizes once again this weekend in a toughly contested match. Salisbury answered the home team's first try with an excellent run of backs play leading to a try by Jess Hinton. Converted by Louise Doherty. Salisbury kept fighting to the last of the first half, and it finished at 7 a piece. Scrums were tough in the muddy ground and a crunching tackle early in the second half left Salisbury ladies one player down, with no subs available. Salisbury were unable to keep their focus in the second half and allowed 2 tries through. They showed strong play in the final 10 minutes, but it was too late with the final score 19-7 to Devizes. The ladies play next on 19th February, home to Westbury.

Salisbury extended their unbeaten run to 4 matches with a 17 - 16 win away to Buckingham. Salisbury are second in South West 1 East and could challenge for promotion, Buckingham are second from bottom and there was little evidence of the difference in status.

Salisbury started brightly and dominated the early exchanges. A try from Shane Johnstone was converted by Ollie Pickford to give the visitors a 7 point lead on 5 minutes. Buckingham were undeterred and reduced the deficit 2 minutes later with a penalty but momentum remained with Salisbury. Wing Ollie Linton scored and unconverted try in the 9^th minute to extend the visitors lead to 12 - 3.

Buckingham remained determined and, having weathered some early pressure, took the game to the visitors. They were strong in the centre and tested the visitor's midfield resulting in an unconverted try on 14 minutes. There was little to choose between the sides for the remainder of the half. Both defences were well organised and it became clear that the result was very much in the balance. Salisbury managed to tip the balance in their favour, however, with a second but unconverted try from Linton on the stroke of halftime.

The visitor's 17 - 8 halftime lead was far from convincing. Neither side established any dominance in the second half but a Buckingham penalty in the 62^nd minute offered a sizeable and vocal home crowd hope of an upset. The remaining 20 minutes were keenly contested and the hosts managed to break through in the last minute for a try. The conversion would have given them victory by a single point but the ball struck an upright and Salisbury escaped with the win.

Salisbury remain in a play-off position behind the league-leaders Maidenhead and will host Bletchley next Saturday.

Team: Richard Roe, Tom Pottage, Robert Larcombe, Simon Quick, Oliver Linton, Ollie Pickford, Andrew Herriott, Luke Esnouf, Dan Hobbs, Gareth Blackborow (Capt), Shane Johnstone, Robert Taylor, Jon Kay, James Kay, Nick Taylor. Subs: Rich West (on for Esnouf 60 mins), Arnie Vyas (on for James Kay 32 mins) and Charlie Jennings.

2^nd XV fortunes improve ...

The performance of the 2^nd XV in Dorset & Wilts 1 is much improved. 3 consecutive wins over Sherborne (41 - 10), Swanage & Wareham (35 - 5) and Bridport on Saturday (19 - 8) have lifted off the bottom of the table. If they continue in this form then a mid-table finish is likely.

Salisbury recorded their 3rd win on the bounce with a 67 - 0 demolition of Olney at Castle Road on Saturday. Salisbury are in fine form currently and the visitors couldn't match them for pace, fluency and creativity.

The hosts made their intentions clear within the first few minutes when Olly Linton ran from deep and evaded a number of tackles to take play within metres of Olney's line. The ball was quickly recycled for Luke Esnouf to score. Tom Pottage added another try a couple of minutes later which Ollie Pickford converted to give Salisbury a 12 point lead less than 5 minutes into the match.

Salisbury didn't have it all their own way. Olney were able to retain possession, recycle and have run at the hosts but couldn't do enough to test their miserly defence. This coupled with Salisbury's superiority in the set pieces meant that Olney were in for a very difficult afternoon. A steady flow of points followed for the remainder of the half with further tries from Olly Linton, Gareth Blackborow and Shane Johnstone. Pickford added 2 conversions kicking into a strong wind to give Salisbury a commanding 31 - 0 halftime lead.

Pottage ghosted through the visitors defence for his second try 2 minutes into the second half to put the game well beyond Olney's reach. Despite this they continued to have a crack at Salisbury; they succeeded in retaining possession for lengthy spells and contained the hosts for 20 minutes. Salisbury didn't score again until the 62^nd minute when they took a penalty quickly, moved the ball wide for Andy Herriott to score. From this point the visitors were unable to contain Salisbury any more, too often they slipped off tackles and allowed the hosts too much space in midfield. Tries for Pickford, Luke Tunabuna and a second for Linton followed in the final quarter to complete an impressive home performance.

Salisbury are now 2^nd in South West 1 East just 4 points behind the leaders Maidenhead and travel to Buckingham next Saturday.

Team: Olly Linton, Tom Pottage, Simon Quick, Rob Larcombe, Luke Tunabuna, Ollie Pickford, Charlie Jennings, Luke Esnouf, Dan Hobbs, Gareth Blackborow (Capt), Shane Johnstone, Rob Taylor, Jon Kay, James Kay, Nick Taylor. Subs: Rich West (on for Esnouf 55 mins), Arnie Vyas (on for Taylor 48 mins), Andy Herriott (on for Larcombe 47 mins).

Salisbury made it 2 wins from 2 matches so far in 2012 when they overwhelmed a below-strength Witney 38 - 0. The journey to Oxfordshire didn't affect Salisbury in anyway as they displayed control and fluency form the kick-off and throughout.

The hosts were put on the back-foot immediately by Salisbury's ability to take the ball into contact, break the gain-line and re-cycle or off-load. This, and dominance in the scrummage, provided the visitors with momentum and lengthy periods in possession. The score board ticked over as a result. Tom Pottage was in top form and scored all of Salisbury's 19 first half points with four penalties, a try and one conversion but this was by no means a solo effort. Halfbacks Ollie Pickford and Charlie Jennings combined well, the backrow spearheaded by Nick Taylor (pictured) were always busy and Luke Esnouf and Shane Johnstone made yardage. Credit must also go to Witney's determination in defence, which ensured the visitors crossed their line only once in the half.

Witney started the second half brightly and appeared undeterred by the 19 point deficit but couldn't do enough to stretch Salisbury's well organised defence. The visitors were very comfortable with ball-in-hand and used possession creatively resulting in a further 3 tries. Taylor scored in the 46^th minute after the ball was moved wide from a ruck. James Kay made a clever break on 60 minutes for Ollie Linton to employ pace and balance and continue the motion for Gareth Blackborow to score. Linton then scored in the 64^th minute after Johnstone powered through Witney's midfield. Pottage converted two of the three tries and the visitor had an unassailable 38 - 0 lead with 15 minutes remaining but neither side made any further progress.

The final stages of the match were less structure as substitutions disrupted proceedings. Witney refused to let their heads drop and challenged the visitors towards the end but still couldn't quite do enough to breach the defence. The score-line remained unchanged.

Salisbury look sharp and fresh as the final third of the season approaches and will be confident going into a home match against league strugglers Olney next Saturday.

Team: Richard Roe, Tom Pottage, Simon Quick, Luke Tunabuna, Ollie Pickford, Charlie Jennings, Luke Esnouf, Dan Hobbs, Gareth Blackborow, Shane Johnstone, Robert Taylor, Jon Kay, James Kay, Nick Taylor. Subs: Rich West, Mark Bugden and Ollie Linton.

Salisbury made the best possible start to 2012 with an emphatic 46 - 14 win over Wiltshire rivals Swindon. It was clear from kick-off that the hosts were in determined mood as they attacked purposefully; efficiently working through phases and consistently breaking the gain-line. Scrumhalf Andy Herriot was sharp and courageous all afternoon ensuring possession was fully exploited. Salisbury were also the stronger in the scrummage and troubled the visitors throughout.

It was, therefore, surprising that a sizeable home crowd had to wait for as long as 11 minutes for the first score. Luke Esnouf barged his way over to complete a forward's attack. Tom Pottage added the extras and the tone was set. Gareth Blackborow was then unlucky to lose control of the ball over the line to miss out on a certain score but the hosts then converted pressure to points with a penalty from Pottage to establish a 10 point lead in the 19^th minute. At this stage Swindon lacked coherence and couldn't get into the game. 

Salisbury scored their second try on 21 minutes after Ollie Pickford had cut through the host's defence supported by Pottage and Luke Tunabuna for Rob Larcombe score in the corner. Pottage converted to extend the lead to 17 - 0.  Swindon then enjoyed a period in possession but lacked control and were unable to stretch the hosts sufficiently to create a scoring opportunity. Shane Johnstone then added to the visitor's woes in the 30^th minute when he broke from the back of the scrum, shrugged off a number of tackles to complete a 25 metre run for the try line. Pottage added the conversion and the hosts concluded the half with a commanding 24 - 0 lead.

Salisbury put the match beyond the host's reach at 29 - 0 a few minutes into the second period when the forwards combined well to enable Pottage to complete the move and score. Play was, however, generally less structured for the remainder of the half. Swindon gained more possession but struggled to maintain momentum. Salisbury's tactical kicking was erratic and they were penalised all-to-often which prevented them from sustaining pressure resulting in a loss of direction. Despite this they still had an attacking edge; centres Larcombe and Simon Quick (pictured) combined well and tested Swindon throughout. This enabled Tunabuna to finish a fine move after the hosts stole possession on 65 minutes and moved the ball quickly.

With the score at 34 - 0 Swindon responded with a well-worked converted score on 70 minutes.  The host's response was almost immediate, Quick crashed over for a converted score and a 41 - 7 lead. The visitor's second converted try came from an interception and restored a degree of respectability but Salisbury had the last word when, in the dying minutes, they were held-up over the line. Pottage finished the move from the subsequent scrummage but failed to convert the score.

The win moves Salisbury up to third in South West 1 East and they will visit Witney next Saturday.

Team: Richard Roe, Tom Pottage, Simon Quick, Rob Larcombe, Luke Tunabuna, Ollie Pickford, Andy Herriot, Luke Esnouf, Dan Hobbs, Gareth Blackborow (Capt), Shane Johnstone, Arnie Vyas, Jon Kay, James Kay, Josh Green. Subs: Rich West (on for Hobbs), Rob Taylor (on for Green), Charlie Jenning (on for Roe).

Salisbury's return to rugby in South West 1 East was expected to be challenging but it has become clear that the 1^st XV are up to the test posed by the higher level. Head Coach Mark Bugden and assistants Derrick Phillimore and Marcus Olsen have continued at Castle Road this season and ensured that the senior squad was well prepared. High levels of fitness are evident and Mark's desire to see the 1^st XV maintain accuracy for 80 minutes is reflected in a relatively high try count and some impressive results.

A strenuous pre-season workout against Trojans resulted in a confidence building 39 -10 home win prior their league opener away to Cheltenham. The Gloucestershire outfit are amongst the strongest in the league having recently come down from National Division 3 South West and, despite the 28 - 35 loss, Salisbury had much to be positive about. The following match at home to High Wycombe enabled Salisbury to put disappointment behind them with an emphatic 49 -17 win that showed how dangerous they are with ball-in-hand. Wiltshire rivals Swindon reversed a 20 point halftime margin to defeat Salisbury 29 - 25 but this was followed by a narrow but thrilling home win over Witney, a late Rory Davis drop goal clinched a 2 point victory.

The first away win came against Olney which preceded an outstanding performance at home to Buckingham in which the visitors were crushed 52 - 6. Bletchley provided a sterner test; Salisbury trailed by 10 points at halftime but upped their game in the second to secure a 22 - 13 victory. A 4 match winning run was ended away at Marlow when Salisbury lost a physical and ill-tempered encounter 31 - 13 but then ended October positively when Swanage & Wareham were blown away by a late surge from Salisbury to score 19 points in 10 minutes to secure a very pleasing 35 - 13 home win.

Salisbury then started November with a convincing 29 - 10 Dorset & Wilts cup win over Swanage but then failed to convert pressure to points away at Maidenhead, eventually losing 12 - 11 having led until the last 10 minutes. This disappointment was erased the following week with a thrilling 33 - 17 win over the then league-leaders Coney Hill. Salisbury were courageous in defence and resisted intense pressure for much of the match but took every scoring opportunity on offer proving that they are capable of competing with the best at South West level. Bournemouth proved too strong for Salisbury in the Dorset & Wilts semi-final at Castle Road but the hosts certainly didn't let the National 3 South West side have it all their own way, often testing them but eventually lost 36 - 14.

Performances during the run-up to the Christmas break were mixed. Salisbury were stretched in a tough encounter away at Reading Abbey, leading by a single point entering the final few minutes. A late try from Luke Tunabuna secured the 28 - 22 win. A competent performance resulted in a comfortable 41 - 25 win over Reading in front of hearty pre-Christmas home support was followed a week later with an abrupt loss of form away to High Wycombe.  The hosts were eager to avenge the earlier defeat and encountered a Salisbury XV disrupted by numerous changes and unable to find any fluency resulting in a disappointing 33 - 0 loss.

Progress so far has been tough but Salisbury have a well-bonded squad which has responded well to skipper Gareth Blackborow's leadership. Gareth returned from Richmond towards the end of last season and stepped-up to Captain for this season. He has quickly established himself as strong scrummager and is clearly relishing the opportunity to lead from the front. There have been accomplished performances from fly-half Rory Davis who's tactical awareness and kicking has been first rate. Prop Luke Esnouf continues to clatter into defences and make yardage and Salisbury's back-rowers Josh Green, Jon and James Kay have all made major contributions. This has been complemented by Arnie Vyas' mobility and Shane Johnstone's physical presence in the second-row. Wings Tom Pottage and Tunabuna have also provided a sharp attacking edge.

Salisbury travelled to High Wycombe on Saturday hoping to maintain progress towards the top of South West 1 East but were soundly beaten by 33 points to nil. High Wycombe had suffered a heavy loss to the visitors earlier in the season which they were eager to avenge. They encountered a Salisbury XV disrupted by numerous changes and unable to find any fluency.

High Wycombe had the upper-hand for much of the match. Their heavy and physical pack were able to retain possession enabling them to score 3 tries and 19 unanswered points by halftime. The situation changed little in the second half as the visitors struggled to find any rhythm, often failing to complete moves and passes. Momentum remained with the hosts as they exploited Salisbury's defensive weaknesses to add 2 further converted scores to complete a well-deserved win.

Salisbury have slipped to fourth and had being playing with style, energy and tempo recently. The Christmas break will offer the opportunity to recharge their batteries and recover from this abrupt loss of form. They must be ready to resume league action at home to Wiltshire rivals Swindon on the 7^th of January.

Team: Tom Emmett, Leon Taylor, Simon Quick, Richard Roe, Luke Tunabuna, Travis Bartels, David Tonge, Richard West, Dan Hobbs, Gareth Blackborow (Capt), Shane Johnstone, Gordon Grant, Jon Kay, James Kay, Josh Green. Subs: Nick Taylor, Rob Taylor, Richard Demain-Griffiths.