In a match played under bright sunshine in arid conditions, the hosts made an impressive start and looked to have control for much of the first half, only to be reeled in by a determined and robust Trowbridge comeback after the interval.

Salisbury opened the scoring inside two minutes when centre Fraser Wilson cut through after several well executed phases to score. Fullback Ollie Bate added the conversion. Although Trowbridge responded a few minutes later, the home side were gaining in confidence. They combined direct forward play with sharp handling in the backs and were keen to play at pace.

Bobby Brown proved a constant threat, crossing twice before the break, both from strong driving mauls following a lineout. Bate converted both. Trowbridge added their second from an attacking maul on 30 minutes to remain very much in contention. Scott Neary added the hosts’ fourth try just before half-time when he completed a break following another attacking maul to give Salisbury a commanding 26 - 12 lead at the interval.

However, the visitors emerged with renewed vigour in the second half and seized momentum early on. They exploited their clear physical advantage, bounced tackles and bullied their way up field. Daniel Bowman struck twice in quick succession, both converted by Rhys Hutt, before Haydn Thompson’s converted try put Trowbridge ahead at 33 - 26 entering the final quarter.

Salisbury responded when Brown completed his hat-trick to level the scores with 10 minutes remaining, setting up a tense final quarter. The hosts then regained the lead with only three minutes remaining when George Greasley finished off a fluent passage of play initiated by Sam Goldsmith’s charge into midfield. Bate’s fifth conversion gave Salisbury a 40 – 33 lead.

Skipper Bobby Brown on way to hat-trick

With time almost up, Salisbury appeared set to close out the win, but Trowbridge had the final say. In the dying moments they bossed several phases following an attacking lineout to score the crucial try. A difficult conversion was completed with the final kick of the match resulting in a remarkable draw.

The result capped a hugely entertaining contest featuring 12 tries and reflected the contrasting halves, with Salisbury dominant early on before Trowbridge surged back strongly. The draw sees Salisbury finish their league campaign in fifth place, ending an eventful season on a very positive note.

Pictures: John Palmer... https://www.salisburyrfc.org/photos/20260425-1st-xv-vs-trowbridge-ii-1171086.html