In just five matches, Salisbury RFC’s newly re-formed women’s team - now affectionately known as the Spitfires - have transformed from a fledgling squad into one of the club’s most exciting and fast-developing sections. Since returning to senior women’s rugby after several years away, the team has shown remarkable growth, resilience, and a spirit that is quickly winning a strong following.

A Promising Return Against Aldershot. The season began with a performance full of heart against Aldershot on 9 August. A match that marked the club’s long-awaited return to senior women’s competition. Despite fielding several complete newcomers - some with only three or four training sessions behind them - the Spitfires produced a disciplined, courageous display, leading 7–0 at half-time through a superb try from Ilona Rolls and conversion from Hayley Gedney. Though Aldershot rallied to win 15–7, the match laid the foundations for what has become a season defined by rapid improvement and squad unity.

Stepping Up Against Chew Valley. A significant early test followed at Chew Valley, one of the region’s most established women’s sides on 6 September. Salisbury impressed with their composure and structure, taking a 10–5 lead into the break after a converted try from Faye Stratford. A difficult spell of injuries allowed Chew Valley to pull ahead, but the Spitfires’ late surge - highlighted by a try from Molly and a powerful debut performance from prop Raitti - underlined the team’s growing confidence. The final score of 31–17 did not fully reflect Salisbury’s contribution.

A Triumphant First Home Match. Their first home fixture at Castle Road against Petersfield on 16 November marked a milestone. Dominating territory from the outset, Salisbury produced their most complete performance to date. Captain Hayley Gedney, Bertha Werret, and Laura Edwards all crossed the line, with Eliza Manning delivering an impressive kicking display in a 21–0 home victory. Head coach Mark Lerpiniere praised the team’s journey since forming in July, emphasising their togetherness and desire to improve.

Back-to-Back Wins and a Stunning Comeback. Momentum continued to build with a dramatic 25–20 win over Bath University 2nd XV. Trailing 15–0 at half-time, the Spitfires produced a courageous and tactically intelligent second-half comeback, sparked by a powerful try from flanker Gemma Snell. The performance showcased not only the side’s attacking potential but also their belief in each other under pressure, securing consecutive victories for the first time this season.

A Hard-Fought Derby Draw. On 7 December the Spitfires played out a tense and entertaining 19–19 draw against local rivals Ellingham & Ringwood II. After falling 12–0 behind inside six minutes, Salisbury battled back through two tries and two conversions from the influential Molly Earnshaw before a brilliant solo score from Niamh Byrne put them ahead late on. A late converted try from the visitors ensured a draw, but the Spitfires’ determination and control for long passages of the match underlined the strides they continue to make week-by-week.

A Team Forging Its Identity. Across their first five matches, the Spitfires have shown great potential. Newcomers have blended seamlessly with returning players from the club’s girls’ pathway—most notably Lillie Marriott, the first to graduate directly from the U16 and U18 programmes into senior rugby. Core combinations are developing, leadership is emerging across the squad, and performances are increasingly marked by structure, ambition, and spirit.

As the team builds towards entering a formal league next season, the message from the coaching staff is clear: this is only the beginning.

Salisbury RFC continues to welcome new players of all experience levels as the Spitfires look to carry their momentum into the second half of the campaign in preparation for league rugby in 2026/27. The Spitfires are likely to establish themselves as a force in the women’s game across the region.