Salisbury brought Witney's unbeaten run of 3 league wins to an end in near perfect conditions at Castle Road on Saturday beating the highly placed visitors by 23 - 21. This was a thrilling encounter in which both sides showed great commitment. Witney started the stronger demonstrating their strength in midfield and an ability to efficiently work through the phases. It was clear from the outset that the hosts would have their work cut-out to stay on equal terms.

Salisbury did strike first with a penalty from Rory Davis on 15 minutes but the lead was short lived. The visitors opted to kick a penalty to the corner a few minutes later, won the subsequent lineout for their back-row to drive over for the score. With the conversion added Witney entered the second quarter 7 - 3 up and had settled into a rhythm. Their second try followed in the 25^th minute when their wing ripped the ball to run 60 metres for the converted score. This was followed on 31 minutes when a clearance kick was caught cleanly for the visitors to run back at Salisbury. Powerful running and broken tackles enabled the move to gather momentum and a third converted score extended Witney's lead to 21 - 3. The hosts didn't buckle and managed to generate greater tempo during the closing minutes. A spell in attack resulted in a well executed score for Luke Tunabuna out wide to conclude the half at 21 - 8 in the visitor's favour.

Witney started the second half in determined mood. Strong and direct running placed the hosts on the back foot initially but shear hard work and fitness ensured that Salisbury got back into the match. Shane Johnstone's hard graft at close quarters and Arnie Vyas' charges resulted in the hosts gaining the upper-hand. Their second try came after 50 minutes when they made the best of a scrappy attacking scrummage, moved the ball wide for prop Luke Esnouf to score in the corner having covered a significant distance in support. Davis failed to covert.

Salisbury were still trailing 21 - 13 but playing with greater intensity. The visitors turned the ball over entering the final quarter, Johnstone drove on for Davis to complete the attack with a clever side-step 10 yards out. The conversion took Salisbury to within a point of the visitors. Witney missed the chance to put the game beyond the host's reach in the 70^th minute. A near certain try scoring opportunity was squandered only yards out when the visitors were penalised for crossing. Then, moments later, Salisbury attacked and got within 20 metres of the visitors line for Davis to knock over a drop goal and gain a 23 - 21 lead. Salisbury survived a final onslaught to secure the win.

This result confirms that Salisbury have the ability to complete with the best in South West 1 East and will travel to second-from-bottom Olney next Saturday.