Salisbury travelled to Bath club Oldfield Old Boys on Saturday and faced their sternest test of the season. In-form Oldfield came desperately close to ending the visitor's unbeaten run but eventually neither side could secure the win in this hotly contested match which concluded at 15 apiece.

Despite conceding a  penalty after only 4 minutes and playing into the wind, Salisbury started strongly. Skipper Liam Gilbert took the ball cleanly in an attacking lineout. Swift hands then moved the ball to left wing Phil Carr to press for the line and then feed Gilbert in support to make the score after  8 minutes. Full back Rory Davis added the extras and the visitors had established an early lead. Salisbury continued to attack the hosts, Matt Pallas (pictured receiving from Vyas) carried the ball into the midfield and wings Carr and Tom Pottage stretched them out wide. The conditions demanded commitment around the fringes and forwards Rich West, Nick Taylor and Dave Thorpe generated momentum through their effective "pick'n go" but it was clear progress going to be tough.

Oldfield were well organised and robust in defence. Their backs were sharp and fly half Brad Barnes was a highly effective goal kicker. They converted a penalty on 18 minutes and Salisbury responded shortly afterwards to maintain the lead at 6 - 10 but the momentum had swung Oldfield's way as they began to severely test the visitor's defence. Sustained pressure from the hosts resulted in them converting 3 further penalties and establishing a 15 - 10 halftime lead.

Oldfield started the second half badly with a player sin-binned for punching in the 46th minute. Salisbury regained the initiative and came close to scoring a second try but Pallas knocked-on when over the host's try line. Salisbury continued to press but lost a further scoring opportunity when they had the hosts under pressure at a 5 metre scrum only to be penalised for a crocked feed. Sustained pressure from the visitor's forwards eventually paid off, they were able to provide quality ball for winger Carr to score out wide and Salisbury drew level at 15 -15 on 56 minutes.

Oldfield were restored to a full XV as the match entered final quarter and the result remained in the balance as both sides struggled to gain an advantage. Salisbury showed promise towards the end but were unable to finish moves effectively. They can however take much from the match as they seek to regain form.

Team: Rory Davis, Phil Carr, Simon Smith, James Starkey, Tom Pottage, Ollie Pickford, David Tonge, George Morgan, Nick Taylor, Rich West, Dave Thorpe, Matt Pallas, Arnie Vyas, James Kay, Liam Gilbert (Capt). Subs: Luke Bugden (on for Morgan), Dave Salomon (on for Vyas), Andrew Herriott.