A depleted Salisbury XV made the trip south to Dorset for their return fixture against Swanage & Wareham but were outpaced by a youthful, more dynamic opposition.

From the outset, Salisbury struggled to contain their hosts who played with ambition and a willingness to attack, ball in hand. Swans’ forwards and backs combined efficiently to maintain tempo. They were rewarded with three first-half tries, converting one, to take a commanding 17-0 lead into the break.

Things worsened minutes into the second half when Swans’ fly-half George Crouch gathered his own cute chip ahead to then cut through for a fourth try, which he then converted. A fifth try followed just 10 minutes later to put the game well beyond Salisbury’s reach at 31 – 0.

Despite the scoreline had Salisbury had shown resilience. Club stalwarts and front rowers Mike Dauwalder and Gareth Blackborrow did their utmost to get Salisbury onto the front foot. Likewise, No8 Mike Adams carried strongly and made an impact throughout ably supported by scrumhalf Jaques Kinnison. Their efforts were finally rewarded on 70 minutes when second-row Jake Turner muscled his way over for a consolation try following a rare period of sustained pressure. Fly-half James Cocks added the extras to finish 31 – 7.
Salisbury have time to regroup.

There will be a break in league action next Saturday before they host Corsham on Saturday 1 March at Castle Road.

Click here for John Palmer's photos from the match.

Joe Cooper
Picture: John Palmer