Dorset & Wiltshire Final at Sherborne

3rd April 2011

Match 1 - Salisbury 1 v Bournemouth 0

A good start for Salisbury in the first few minutes with Harry Burke getting over the line for what looked to be a try but was held up. After that nerves seemed to creep in with some poor passing and a lack of direction. The second half saw a much improved Salisbury who spent most of the game in the oppositions half searching for a try. A penalty was awarded in the final few seconds of the game and Salisbury passed the width of the pitch for Ben Richards to take the ball over the line. A great start to the tournament and a well deserved win.

Match 2 - Salisbury 0 v Chippenham 2

Salisbury came out against a tough team who were very direct in play and moved the ball well with backs running on to the ball at speed. Salisbury held off pressure well in the first half but finally conceded a try just before the half time whistle. In the second half Salisburys tackling as a team was too soft, particularly against larger individuals, allowing Chippenham space to play and run in a second.

Match 3 - Salisbury 0 v Wimborne 1

Salisbury came out with more aggression in the final game and were unlucky not to get a try in the first half - the ball going over the line but with a foot in touch. Salisbury had the majority of possession but could not convert this to a try, despite persistent running from Harry Mould and Tom McFarland. The second half was a real battle with Salisbury doing well in the scrum. A draw would have been a fair result but disappointingly Wimborne managed to sneak a try in the last seconds of the game.

Summary

A great start and perhaps Salisbury needed to go into the second game with the same determination that they had in the first and final games. The standard of play demonstrated by all teams was good and there were going to be no run away victories on the day. A great effort from all players.

Results

Wimborne won with 10 points, Chippenham 2nd with 9 and Salisbury 3rd with 6 points. Bournemouth 4th place with 4 points.