U15s warm-up for Cup Semi-Final with solid win.

Salisbury 24-12 Reading Abbey

SRFC U15s welcomed Reading Abbey RFC to Hudson’s Field for the first time on Sunday. Both teams were missing their DPP players but managed to field squads of 20. Salisbury welcomed back Alex Cole from injury and Luke Duckett after a long absence. We also welcomed Lui Natui who joined the club this week.

Tries - Luke Duckett, George Willoughby, Ollie Smith (2) Conversions - Sam Waters, Alex Bairstow

FULL PHOTO GALLERY HERE

Playing uphill on the Prairie, Salisbury started strongly and won the early forwards exchanges. After a series of strong drives George Willoughby went over for his first try of the season off an excellent offload from Perry Sanderson. Sam Waters converted for the extra 2. Ollie Smith, fired up by the pre-match Jaffa Cakes, crossed for the first of a brace to extend the lead to 12-0. This was soon followed by Luke Duckett walking in unopposed after a couple of great forward drives around the corner. With Sam W off the field injured, Alex B slotted the extra 2. Just before halftime Abbey rallied and a delicate kick through was finished by their winger to make it 19-5 at half-time.

In the second half both teams played well in patches and the advantage ebbed and flowed. Abbey scored a second try after a series of Salisbury defensive errors. The boys reorganised well and Ollie Smith drove over for his second to edge out a 12 point lead. 

This was our last friendly before the D&W Cup Semi-Final on 25th Feb – so the hard work starts now. Please look at your availability as we strive to prepare for the cup. Key takeaways from today are ‘Ball retention in Contact’ and "Winning the Breakdown".

Well done all – a great squad effort. Let’s commit to work hard now as we move towards the semi-final. See you at training on Wednesday!