Salisbury hosted league-leaders Coney Hill at Castle Road on Saturday and, despite being under intense pressure for much of the game, took their chances to win a highly entertaining league fixture by 33 - 17.

This was a spirited performance from Salisbury. Coney Hill were powerful up-front and well organised which enabled them to retain possession and sustain attacking pressure for much of the match. The hosts were courageous in defence and were always willing to keep valuable possession in-hand and run at the opposition. Their first score came after 7 minutes; having endured a series of attacking phases, Salisbury attacked for Josh Green to make a midfield break and present Luke Tunabuna with the try scoring opportunity. Rory Davis added the extras and Salisbury established and early 7 point lead.

The visitors then enjoyed another period in possession and put Salisbury under the cosh. Having kicked for the corner they employed the driving maul from a number of lineouts which the hosts defiantly resisted but not without cost. Dave Thorpe received a yellow card in the 15^th minute after Salisbury had persistently offended. Numerical balance was restored minutes later when Coney Hill received a card for misconduct.

Having survived intense pressure, Salisbury then extended their lead when Davis found space after a series of rucks and ghosted through the defence to sprint the remaining 20 metres to score. His conversion gave the hosts a 14 - 0 lead on 36 minutes. The lead was then cut in the final minutes of the half when Coney Hill kicked for the corner and scored a converted try from a well-executed driving maul.

Now trailing 14 - 7, Coney Hill started the second period in determined mood. Having kicked for the corner they attacked through a series of mauls to then move the ball quickly to the wing for a well-worked but unconverted try which reduced the deficit to 14 - 12. Salisbury remained alive to opportunities and took a free-kick quickly which enabled Green to score in the 63^rd minute. The hosts then extended their lead once again when they broke away from another Coney Hill onslaught. James Kay's kick ahead resulted in an attacking scrum. Salisbury attacked from this for Gareth Blackborow to barge his way over for a converted try on 75 minutes.

Despite the 26 - 12 score line it wasn't "game-over". The visitors immediately struck back with a converted score moments later. But, as the match entered the dying minutes, Salisbury had the last word. They added a converted try when Thorpe scored from a driving maul to end the match at 33 - 17 and keep Salisbury's unbeaten home record intact.

The hosts can take much from this performance. Coney Hill are clearly a high quality side and will not lose many matches this season. The win restores Salisbury to 4^th in South West 1 East and they look forward to hosting Bournemouth from National League 3 South West in the Dorset & Wilt cup semi-final next Saturday.

Team: Richard Roe, Luke Tunabuna, Robert Larcombe, Simon Quick, Leon Taylor, Rory Davis, Charlie Jennings, Luke Esnouf, Dan Hobbs, Gareth Blackborow (capt), Shane Johnstone, Dave Thorpe, Nick Taylor, Jon Kay, Josh Green. Subs: Rich West (on for Hobbs 67 mins), James Kay (on for Taylor 63 mins), Andrew Herriott (on for Jennings 55 mins).