2016-09-03 1st XV vs Bournemouth

Salisbury 21 : Bournemouth 16 - 3 September 2016

Salisbury’s first match after promotion to National League 3 South West, at home to old rivals Bournemouth. This was a magnificent performance fromt he green & white. We knew it would be a challenge as Bournemouth are well established in the higher leagues and finished 5th last season.

Salisbury were first on the scoreboard after only 3 minutes with a try from debutant fly-half Robbie Keith, converted by fullback Tom Lane. Robbie added a penalty 10 minutes later (taking the kick as Tom was down injured). Bournemouth hit back with a penalty for 10-3, we then got 2 further Lane penalties and a try for Rob Larcombe, unconverted. Bournemouth wrapped up the first half with a penalty to make it 21-6 at half-time.

Bournemouth had the wind in their favour in the second half, and several times looked as if they were about to run away with it. But Salisbury dug in deep and chased everything, and all Bournemouth had to show for their efforts was a penalty and a converted try. With 20 minutes to go we led 21-16 and kept Bournemouth out for a nervous last quarter to take a magnificent hard-fought victory.

Fly-half Robbie Keith opens the scoring with a try after three minutes

Rob Larcombe and Dave Tonge congratulate Robbie

Tom Lane lines up the conversion....

...and adds the extras for 7-0

Penalty for Robbie Keith

Coach Neil Loader discusses tactics on the touchline with James Hill and Gary Wiliamson

Winger Dan Hammond is help up just short of the try-line...

...but a couple of seconds later centre Rob Larcombe is in for the try

Tom Ranaboldo scrabbles for the ball in the rain

Celebrations at the final whistle