Salisbury mounted a remarkable comeback to secure a 20-22 away victory over Combe Down on Saturday, March 8.
Trailing 20-5 with just minutes remaining, Salisbury scored two late tries in quick succession to snatch the win.
The match began with Combe Down dominating possession. They converted two penalties in the first 15 minutes and added a converted try on 30 minutes to establish a 13-0 lead.
Playing with the wind, the hosts were energetic, cohesive and determined, whilst Salisbury were troublingly quiet. The visitors were further hindered by a malfunctioning lineout and struggled to find their rhythm but did manage to get on the scoreboard just before halftime.
Flanker Charlie Morris made a strong break, taking Salisbury to within 10 metres of the tryline, enabling the ball to be moved wide for winger Eremasi Ranatora to score in the corner. Salisbury were lucky to be facing only a 13-5 deficit at the break.
Despite a shapeless start to the second half, Combe Down remained highly motivated and extended their lead to 20-5 with a converted try on 55 minutes.
Fly-half Ollie Bate kicks an injury-time penalty to win the game (Image: John Palmer) Needing at least three scores to overturn the deficit, a Salisbury win seemed unlikely, but the visitors saved their best rugby for the final 10 minutes, which they dominated. Better scrummaging, greater physicality, direct running and improved handling severely stretched Combe Down’s defence.
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Awarded a penalty close to the try line, the visitors launched multiple attacks before prop Dom Porter bulldozed his way over to score. Fly-half Ollie Bate added the extras, narrowing the gap to 20-12.
Moments later, second-row Brandon Ward broke through the defence, twisting his way around the posts with outstretched arm to score Salisbury's third try. Bate quickly converted, bringing the score to 20-19.
With only seconds remaining, Salisbury earned a penalty in front of the posts for a high tackle. Bate stepped up and calmly slotted the kick, sealing an improbable 20-22 victory. A fitting way to celebrate prop Aidan Gill’s 100th appearance for Salisbury.
Salisbury’s penultimate league fixture is against Melksham on Saturday, 22 March at Castle Road, and news of the forthcoming cup competition will follow.
