Salisbury made it two wins from two in Counties 1 Tribute Ale Southern South with a convincing 48 - 5 victory over Swanage & Wareham at Castle Road on Saturday.

The hosts struck after only four minutes when Salisbury spun the ball wide quickly for wing Theo Andre Browning to finish in the corner. Flanker Will Murley added a second directly from the restart. Swanage failed to challenge the kick enabling Murley to break free supported by Andre Browning. Reuben Smith added the extras for a 12 – 0 lead on eight minutes. Swanage & Wareham responded positively and patiently worked through several phases to create and opening to score their only points of the match on 15 minutes.

Smith’s penalty a minute later extended Salisbury’s lead to 15 – 5 and the home side took control late in the first half. It was clear that their superior handling, pace and accuracy would be difficult for Swanage to contain. Wing Rob Crossley crossed in the 35th minute, with Smith adding the conversion, before full back Henry Toomer scored another try following a quick tap-and-go penalty taken by Murley to send Salisbury into the break 27–5 ahead.

The despite having greater mobility and potency, Salisbury were unable to score for over 20 minutes into the second half. No8, Rob Becher came close when he was stopped short on 42 minutes but several minor injuries and an extraordinarily high penalty count against both teams checked any momentum. Frustration resulted in a few fractious moments.

Entering the final quarter, the hosts dealt with an attacking Swanage lineout. A 50 – 22 kick gave Swanage good field position but, as had happened all to often, the visitors could not sustain pressure due to poor lineout execution and Salisbury cleared.

On 63 minutes, Toomer cut through the visitor’s defence. Salisbury took full advantage and moved the ball wide to second row George Greasley to finish. Greasley scored his second on 71 minutes when finishing another Toomer break involving several forwards and backs combining to sustain the attack. Smith converted both.

Fittingly, Toomer had the final word when he intercepted a pass to score and Smith’s third conversion of the half made it 48 – 5 at fulltime. Salisbury’s seven tries secured the bonus point win and they will host winless Trowbridge next Saturday.

Pictures: John Palmer