By Joe Cooper
Salisbury Rugby Club’s 1st XV brought their league season to a close with a spirited performance away to Royal Wootton Bassett, but ultimately fell short against the league champions in a 53-17 defeat.
The fixture bookended the season, having opened the campaign with a closely fought 10-13 loss to Bassett at Castle Road. Since then, Bassett have gone from strength to strength, securing the league title with matches to spare, and their superiority showed in Saturday’s encounter despite a strong start from the visitors.
Salisbury began brightly, matching the home side in the early exchanges. Six minutes in, they were awarded a penalty deep in Bassett territory and, opting to run it, showed great determination to punch through the defence.
After several phases, second-row Tom Ranaboldo forced his way over for the opening try, with Rob Crossley – stepping into fly-half duties – adding the extras to make it 0-7.
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Bassett responded swiftly, capitalising on errors and turning pressure into points with two quick tries, one of which was converted, to take a 12-7 lead. But Salisbury hit back – flanker Mike Adams found a gap and powered over to level the scores.
Hooker James Dance finds room to run (Image: John Palmer) The league leaders, however, flexed their attacking muscle as the half wore on, adding two more tries before the break, one converted, to go in 24-12 ahead.
Salisbury refused to roll over, and the second half opened with both sides trading scores, the visitors keeping the contest alive at 29-17. But as the half progressed, Bassett’s backline came alive. Aided by some costly turnovers from Salisbury, they ran in four unanswered tries, two of which were converted, to stretch the scoreline and secure a comprehensive win.
Despite the result, Salisbury can reflect on a competitive campaign, finishing 5th in Counties 1 Tribute Southern South – just one point shy of Walcot.
Salisbury will shift their focus to the Papa John’s Men’s Community Cup (Counties 1 South), where they will face either Swanage & Wareham or Eastleigh on April 26. Swanage will host Eastleigh on April 12.
