Playing into a strong wind and bright sun in the opening period, Salisbury showed early intent and were rewarded within two minutes. Flanker George Greasley finished an opening under the post created when a Corsham clearance kick was charged down. Ollie Bate added the straightforward conversion.

Salisbury maintained tempo and territorial control despite the conditions, and their pressure told again midway through the half. Skipper Bobby Brown charged out of defence and earned a penalty which was kicked for the corner. Quick ruck ball followed the lineout and the ball was spun into the centres for Second row Bradley Emanuel to break clear to score under the posts. Bate again adding the extras for 14 – 0 lead on 20 minutes. Despite presenting a physical challenge, the visitors struggled to generate any momentum, often labouring from side-to-side. Salisbury remained in control and just five minutes later centre Roy Waters hacked the ball on and forced Corsham to clear to touch. A quick throw enabled flanker Tristan Jones to cross for the third converted try and a 21 – 0 lead.

The bonus point score came after another impressive break from centre Waters with Jones in support. Brown then powered over for Salisbury’s fourth try and a 26 - 0 lead on 32 minutes. Corsham, always awkward opponents, were not about to fold. They finished a neat midfield move to score and unconverted try in the corner. The conversion attempt was thwarted in the blustery conditions. At the interval, Salisbury led 26 - 5 and were firmly in control.

Waters cutting through

The second half proved more fragmented; punctuated by stoppages due to several injuries and a series of technical yellow cards. Despite the disruption, Salisbury continued to create opportunities.

Now benefitting from the wind, flyhalf James Gamble extended the lead minutes into the second period. Emanuel caught a Corsham goal line dropout and charged into the guts of their defence for Gamble to score off the subsequent ruck extending the lead to 31 – 5. What followed was frustrating to watch as neither side could gain control or the initiative. No further score followed for nearly 30 minutes into the half until Salisbury kicked a penalty into the corner, spun the ball into midfield presenting debutant winger Andrew Botwright an opportunity to display his extraordinary pace, guile and determination to cut through for a try. Bate added the extras and Salisbury were beyond reach a 38 – 5.

However, Corsham were not done. Using their considerable bulk, they bullied their way to a converted try in the closing minute but it was the hosts who had the final word when Crossley’s athletic leap enabled him to catch the restart kick. Salisbury then moved possession swiftly from the ruck for Crossley to reappear on the end of the final pass to score. Another Bate conversion concluded the afternoon at 45 – 12.

Salisbury are fifth behind Devizes in Counties 1 Tribute Ale Southern South and will travel to league strugglers Marlborough next week for their penultimate league match.

Pictures: John Palmer... https://www.salisburyrfc.org/photos/20260411-1st-xv-vs-corsham-1170177.html