Salisbury hosted Bournemouth in an entertaining Dorset & Wilts Cup Semi-final on Saturday. Bournemouth are riding high in National 3 South West and, as expected, provided a tough contest for Salisbury who eventually lost 36 - 14.

Despite their league status, Bournemouth didn't have it all their own way. The hosts tested them from the kick-off, Rory Davis converted a well-earned penalty after only 2 minutes. But the lead was short-lived, Bournemouth were powerful and mobile up-front enabling them to maintain possession and work through the phases. This resulted in a converted score in the 7^th minute. The hosts then enjoyed a period in possession and stretched Bournemouth. The back-row of Nick Taylor, Jon Kay and Josh Green worked tirelessly in support of Salisbury's eager backs and hosts were able to close the gap to 7 - 6 with another Davis penalty on 16 minutes. This was followed 10 minutes later with a third penalty resulting in Salisbury taking the lead at 9 - 7.

Salisbury's defence was committed and well organised and this ensured they remained very much in contention. They also tested the Bournemouth's scrummage but often struggled on their own put-in. A clean strike and a responsive back-row did however ensure that the hosts secured a fair amount of ball. This and another impressive performance from Arnie Vyas in the line-out did much to help Salisbury's cause.

Bournemouth gained the upper-hand towards end of the half. Sustaining pressure and patiently working through the phases, they scored their second but unconverted try in the 32^nd minute. They were then awarded a penalty-try 5 minutes later when Salisbury collapsed the scrum as the visitors attempted a push-over. Bournemouth finished the half with a 19 - 9 lead.

Salisbury started second period brightly, scoring from an attacking line-out in the 43^rd minute. The hosts took the ball cleanly and the forwards attacked for debutant and powerhouse Jack Martin (pictured) to bully his way over for the try. The conversion was missed but Salisbury reduced the deficit to 5 points at 19 - 14.

Play was very much in the balance until the final quarter when Bournemouth began to dominate possession. They adopted a workmanlike approach and, as earlier, worked through the phases which eventually stretched the host's determined defence. The visitors slotted a penalty on 64 minutes which was followed with converted tries in the 71^st and 80^th minutes resulting in a 36 - 14 loss for Salisbury.

Salisbury can take many positives from the match. They tested higher league opposition, played with skill and purpose and look set to go from strength-to-strength. Salisbury will travel to Reading Abbey next Saturday.  

Team: Richard Roe, Tom Pottage, Rob Larcombe, Simon Quick, Luke Tunabuna, Rory Davis, Andy Herriott, Luke Esnouf, Dan Hobbs, Gareth Blackborow (Capt), Shane Johnstone, Arnie Vyas, Nick Taylor, Jon Kay, Josh Green. Subs: Rich West, Jack Martin, James Kay, Dave Salomon, Tom Emmett, Charlie Jennings.