Salisbury's pre-season preparations concluded with a friendly fixture against Southampton club Trojans on Saturday. This provided an excellent test of Salisbury's readiness to re-enter South West 1 East this season and it was the visitors who got off to the better start. They placed the hosts under intense pressure in the scrummage; maintaining possession and continuity within Salisbury's 22 and where rewarded with two unconverted tries within the first 10 minutes.

To their credit, Salisbury weren't rattled and newly appointed skipper, Gareth Blackborow "rallied the troops". Speed and confident running with ball-in-hand ensured that the hosts soon gained the upper-hand. A well-executed driving maul on 12 minutes following a kick to the corner enabled Salisbury to release the ball well inside the visitors 22 and shift it wide for Chris Patterson to score. Rory Davis added the extras. Now well into their rhythm, the hosts continued to run confidently. Wing Tom Pottage finished a superb move resulting in a converted try and Salisbury taking a 12 - 10 lead after 20 minutes. Trojans then attempted regain the momentum, their physical and direct approach challenged Salisbury's defence. The hosts didn't yield and where able to finish the half with second try for Patterson. Davis' conversion stretched the half time lead to 19 - 10.

The majority of the second half was played with uncontested scrums due to injury. This assisted Salisbury in fully establishing their superiority over the visitors who rarely entered the hosts half. Despite a yellow card for hooker Dan Hobbs on 50 minutes, there were further tries for Pottage (2), James Kay and Gordon Grant resulting in a 39 - 10 home win. Salisbury can travel to Cheltenham next Saturday for the first league match with real confidence and optimism for the forthcoming league campaign.