Salisbury RFC marked their first home match in Counties 1 Tribute Ale Southern South with a hard-fought 18–5 victory over old rivals Devizes at Castle Road on Saturday.

The hosts dominated the opening exchanges, pinning Devizes in their own half. Forwards and backs combined effectively to sustain pressure, earning two penalties on 12 and 15 minutes, both confidently converted by fly-half Mica Garvey-Ortiz for a 6–0 lead.

Matters worsened for Devizes when they were reduced to 14 men after a red card for an illegal mid-air challenge. Despite this setback they seemed galvanised and began to find rhythm through their robust pack and slick offloading. Their only score came on 25 minutes from a precise cross-field kick following a lineout, which exposed Salisbury’s narrow defence and allowed an easy run-in for an unconverted try.

Devizes controlled much of the second quarter, repeatedly kicking penalties to the corner in search of a breakthrough. Salisbury’s attempts to counter were stifled, but their resolute defence preserved a slender 6–5 lead at half-time.

After the restart, Salisbury grew in confidence. Replacement back and debutant Fraser Wilson made an immediate impact, slicing through midfield with searing pace and sharp footwork to score the second try. Garvey-Ortiz added the extras to stretch the lead to 11–5 in the 48th minute. Moments later the hosts muscled their way over again, only to be held up. From the ensuing clearance, Rob Crossley gathered smartly and launched a counter, with Charlie Paden breaking through before offloading to skipper Rob Becher, who powered under the posts. Garvey-Ortiz converted to make it 18–5 on 58 minutes.

Devizes threw everything into the final quarter and Salisbury were tested further when reduced to 14 men by a yellow card. In torrential rain, the visitors pressed hard but could not find a way through. Full-back Crossley was particularly composed, defusing loose balls and speculative kicks to deny Devizes any real opportunity.

An entertaining contest ended with an 18–5 victory for the hosts — a performance full of character that leaves Salisbury unbeaten after two games. They now take a short break from league action before travelling to Melksham on 4 October.

A gallery of John Palmer's photos from the game is here.

Joe Cooper
Pictures: John Palmer