Salisbury continued their impressive league campaign with a 29 - 17 victory away to Walcot on Saturday, scoring five tries and securing another bonus point win in Counties 1 Tribute Ale Southern South.

In perfect autumn sunshine and on an immaculate playing surface, the visitors made a positive start against traditionally tough opponents at Walcot. Salisbury took the lead within the opening two minutes. A powerful maul following an attacking lineout brought them close to the Walcot line, where hooker Scott Neary broke away driving towards the line. He was held short but prop Jack Wallace was in support to ground the ball for the opening score.

This was a lively contest in which neither side established control. Walcot held possession for lengthy periods but were hampered by several errors and a well-marshalled Salisbury defence. The visitors always looked threatening ball-in-hand but did not sustain pressure. They had to wait until the 30th minute when winger Henry Toomer’s pace enabled him to round the Walcot defence to score Salisbury second unconverted try.

Walcot established some momentum from the restart and, having carried aggressively, worked through several phases only for Theo Andre Browning to seize a loose ball and break out. He ran the length of the field for Salisbury’s third try converted by Roy Waters on 36 minutes. Another punishing defensive set from visitors after the restart enabled them to contain Walcot and finish the half leading 17 – 0.

Minutes after the restart Salisbury earned an attacking lineout 22 metres out. The ball was spun quickly wide from a driving maul and Salisbury’s pace had the hosts in trouble. Centre Andrew Botwright offloaded in the tackle for Toomer to finish and provide the visitors with a comfortable 22 - 0 lead on 44 minutes. That said, Walcot were determined to close the deficit but further handling errors and a faltering lineout prevented them from completing their attacks.

Momentum remained with the hosts after Salisbury were reduced to 14 men following a red card. This followed further disruption due to injury. Walcot took advantage of their numerical superiority, scoring on 64 after sustained phases and on 70 minutes following an intercept. A single conversion reduced the deficit to 22 – 12.

Salisbury responded minutes later when Walcot failed to deal with the restart. Salisbury stripped them of the ball at the lineout on 22 metres, spun it wide for Brown to smash his way to the line. Waters converted and Salisbury extended their lead to 29 – 12 on 76 minutes. Credit where it is due, Walcot were not finished. Regaining possession after the restart they rucked their way up field and finished scoring in the corner in the final minute.

The 29 - 17 win is Salisbury’s sixth consecutive victory. They sit second in the league below Devizes who defeated Trowbridge 2nd XV by a remarkable 152 unanswered points. This gives the Wiltshire rivals a vastly superior point difference. Salisbury will host Combe Down on Saturday.

Joe Cooper
Pictures: John Palmer