Salisbury put the disappointment of last week's heavy loss against Marlow behind them with a pleasing 35 - 13 home win over long-standing rivals Swanage & Wareham. The hosts started brightly enough and put the Swans under pressure from the kick-off. They set-up an impressive driving maul and where then awarded a penalty on 5 minutes which Rory Davis converted. The early lead was short-lived, Swans kicked for the corner and were able to sustain a spell in attack. The pressure eventually told and Salisbury conceded a penalty in the 11^th minute.

The visitors were competitive, physically robust and had the "bit between their teeth" fifteen minutes in. Further pressure resulted in another three points and a 6 - 3 lead. Swans were retaining possession and their shape, if allowed to do so they would prove difficult to beat. Salisbury by contrast struggled to find their rhythm, they continued to employ the driving maul to some effect but couldn't really stamp their authority over the match. Josh Green was sin-binned on 35 minutes for a late tackle which was followed by a period with the hosts under the cosh. They offered strong resistance but Swans eventually breached the defence and finished the half with a converted try and a 13 - 3 lead.

Salisbury were transformed in the second half. They were more cohesive and willing to take the game to the visitors. Shane Johnstone (pictured) led the way with a strong run into Swans' midfield. The ball was quickly recycled for Davis to deftly kick through for Luke Tunabuna to pounce and score within minutes of the restart. Davis failed to convert but with deficit cut to 8 - 13 the match was there for the taking. It was clear that the hosts now had the upper hand and underlined their superiority with further use of the driving-maul. Salisbury continued to press and were reward on 55 minutes when Green broke to score the hosts second unconverted try and level the scores at 13 - 13.

Whilst the momentum was with Salisbury the visitors appeared unable to re-group. The host's forwards were better in contact resulting in greater control but, to their great credit, Swans were able to absorb pressure without conceding for 15 minutes. Davis converted a penalty in the 70^th minute after the visitors were penalised for holding-on and were then walked-back for dissent. With only 10 minutes remaining and a slender 16 - 13 lead, Salisbury raised the tempo. Davis' tactical kicking was now hurting Swans as was Luke Esnouf's strong running. The result was 19 unanswered points with further tries from Esnouf, Johnstone and a second for Tunabuna. Davis added two conversions to round-off an excellent second-half performance.

Salisbury remain unbeaten at home and have moved up to fourth behind Cheltenham. By pure chance Swanage & Wareham will visit Castle Road again next week in the first round of the Dorset & Wilts cup.

Team: Tom Emmett, Luke Tunabuna, Simon Quick, Richard Roe, Leon Taylor, Rory Davis, Andrew Herriott, Luke Esnouf, Dan Hobbs, Gareth Blackborow, Shane Johnstone, Gordon Grant, Jon Kay, Dave Salomon, Josh Green. Subs: Rich West, Will Whyte and Charlie Jennings.