The match began in lively but fragmented fashion, with both sides eager to move the ball but unable to establish early control. A succession of penalties disrupted the flow, though Salisbury began to assert themselves after the opening quarter.

The breakthrough came on 20 minutes when a penalty was kicked to the corner. From the resulting lineout, Salisbury’s driving maul forced Swindon onto the back foot. Captain Bobby Brown took a quick tap close to the line before second row George Greasley finished for the opening try, converted by fly-half Ollie Bate.

Salisbury’s confidence grew, and they extended their lead three minutes later. Wing Henry Wilson, a constant threat throughout, seized on a loose ball and battled through tackles before offloading to Sam Goldsmith, who crossed for the second try.

Momentum continued to build as flanker Josh Cahill, making his first start, added a third thanks to his energy in support. Effort he continued throughout. The bonus-point try followed on 30 minutes when the ball was spun wide from a driven maul, providing centre Cameron Mould with space and momentum to break through and score under the posts. Bate added the extras and established a 24 – 0 lead.

Despite a strong showing in the scrum from the visitors, Salisbury remained dominant. Greasley claimed his second try just before the break from another quickly taken penalty, again converted by Bate to make it 31 - 0. Swindon responded with a late try to leave the half-time score at 31 - 5.

The visitors started the second half with renewed intent, using their forward bulk to better effect. No8 Peter Kewell carried twice strongly before finishing a sustained attack. The conversion reduced the deficit to 31 - 12. However, Salisbury remained dangerous in open play and comfortable with an unstructured game. Full-back Hugh Bate injected pace into the attack, combining with Fraser Wilson to create 30 meters of space for prop Scotty Neary, who’s sprint to the line to the delight of the home support on 54 minutes.

Neary on the charge

Swindon continued to show attacking ambition, with wing Nick Dobbie threatening out wide, but Salisbury too often looked sharper. An interception from Ollie Bate sparked a counter-attack, he was nearly caught but Rob Crossley gathered Bate’s clever chip ahead to score in the 65th minute. Greasley completed his hat-trick late on after another break from Bate, underlining Salisbury’s dominance and providing just reward to Greasley’s impressive work rate. Swindon had the final say with a well-worked try at the death, but the outcome was long since decided.

The comprehensive 52 - 19 victory keeps Salisbury in fourth place, though promotion may remain out of reach. Attention now turns to next week’s trip to fifth-placed Frome as the season enters its closing stages.

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Pictures: John Palmer