As the Counties 1 Tribute Ale Southern South season reaches its midpoint, Salisbury RFC’s 1st XV find themselves firmly in the promotion contest, having combined attacking ambition with a growing resilience that has delivered a strong return in the league’s most competitive stretch.

The campaign began emphatically in early September with a bonus-point win away at Trowbridge 2nd XV, setting an early marker for intent. That opening victory showcased themes that have recurred throughout the season: a mobile, committed pack, the willingness to move the ball wide, and an ability to respond decisively to momentum swings. A hard-fought home derby victory over Devizes followed, underlining Salisbury’s defensive resolve and composure in difficult conditions.

October proved a mixed but revealing month. A narrow defeat at Melksham exposed areas for development at the set-piece against heavier packs, yet Salisbury’s attacking output — scoring 31 points away from home — highlighted their ability to trouble any side in the league. That lesson was absorbed quickly, as demonstrated by an eight-try dismantling of Chippenham 2nd XV at Castle Road, one of the most fluent attacking displays of the season.

The visit to league leaders Swanage & Wareham provided a stern benchmark. While the final score line favoured the hosts, Salisbury were competitive for long periods, matching their opponents physically and tactically before being undone by clinical finishing. Rather than denting confidence, that result appeared to sharpen focus.

November marked a turning point. A narrow defeat at Sherborne — memorable as much for its off-field chaos as the rugby — again showed Salisbury’s willingness to fight to the final whistle, but it was the home victory over previously unbeaten Walcot that truly defined the side’s mid-season credentials. In atrocious conditions, Salisbury delivered their most disciplined defensive performance of the campaign, restricting the league leaders to a single penalty and capitalising on rare opportunities efficiently.

That momentum carried into a commanding 48–12 away win at Swindon, arguably Salisbury’s most complete performance to date. The balance between forward dominance and backline creativity was evident, as was a growing cohesion across the squad. A subsequent bonus-point win over Frome before Christmas further reinforced Salisbury’s consistency, with defensive steel once again providing the platform for controlled attacking rugby.

In their final fixture of 2026 on 20 December, Salisbury demolished league strugglers Marlborough 2nd XV 100 points to nil. They scored 16 unanswered tries and gained a four-try bonus point within 25 minutes. All of which must have delighted skipper Bobby Brown who enjoyed his fiftieth 1st XV appearance.

At the halfway stage, Salisbury sit fifth in Counties 1 Tribute Ale Southern South with a game in hand. They are within reach of the league leaders with several rivals already beaten. The statistics tell a convincing story: a healthy points difference, regular bonus-point returns, and one of the more potent attacks in the league. Equally encouraging is the side’s adaptability — capable of winning expansive contests on firm ground and grinding out results when conditions deteriorate.

Key to this progress has been leadership across the park, a reliable kicking game under pressure, and the successful integration of younger players who have stepped up confidently at senior level. While challenges remain — particularly against the heaviest forward packs — Salisbury enter the second half of the season with belief, momentum, and clear evidence that they belong among the division’s front-runners. Director of Rugby, Matt Pallas is pleased with progress stating “consistency in results has been a reflection of a stable player group to select from, particularly allowing partnerships to develop week in week out”.

Player development will be further enhanced next year with the reintroduction of a 3rd XV to play friendly fixtures. Another indicator of growing momentum within the Club. If consistency can be maintained through the winter months, Salisbury RFC will have every reason to look forward to an exciting and meaningful conclusion to the 2025–26 campaign. The league programme will resume on 10 January away against Devizes.

Pictures: John Palmer