Wimborne 35 - Salisbury 15
Salisbury travelled to local rivals Wimborne on Saturday. A win would have significantly improved their chances of avoiding relegation but it wasn’t to be. They faced a well organised Wimborne XV who used their superior forward pack and strength in midfield to inflict Salisbury’s 6th league defeat this year.
Wimborne signalled their intent from the kick-off. Working through a number of phases with forwards and back combining efficiently to score a converted try in the second minute. To their credit, Salisbury responded almost immediately. Will Murley cut through at pace from a well-executed move but was held up short. Salisbury elected to run a subsequent penalty but were forced back. They kicked a further penalty to the corner; backrower James Kennedy broke through from the lineout and forced his way over for an unconverted try.
With the score at 7 – 5 in the hosts favour, Salisbury continue to attack but were often thwarted by unforced errors. Wimborne then extended their lead with a penalty on 15 minutes and momentum was with them entering the second quarter. They continued to move the ball with pace a purpose; increasing the pressure on the visitors and scoring their second try on 25 minutes. A penalty on 36 minutes enabled them to establish an 18 – 5 lead but Salisbury were undaunted. They finished the half on the front foot. They attacked from a scrum and moved the ball more fluently utilising runners coming onto the ball from depth. Whilst under pressure, the host conceded a penalty which Salisbury opted to kick to the corner. The subsequent attack enabled hooker Bobby Brown to add Salisbury’s second try and finish the half trailing 18 – 10.
The second half started badly for the visitors. A knock-on at the restart gifted Wimborne field position. They then scored tries in quick succession on 46 and 47 minutes. However, despite trailing 28 – 10, Salisbury’s response was spirited. They placed the hosts under real pressure who were awarded a yellow card after deliberately collapsing a driving maul. With the upper hand for much of the third quarter, Salisbury were awarded a penalty after a scrum which was kicked into the corner for Gareth Blackborow to bully his way over for an unconverted try.
With the score at 28 – 15 entering the final 10 minutes, Wimborne made sure of victory with a final converted try to finish at 35 – 15. The loss places Salisbury nine points behind 10th place Newbury Blues with two matches remaining and a maximum of 10 league points available.
Joe Cooper
Pictures: John Palmer
