U15s kick off D&W cup campaign

Marlborough came to Salisbury for the first of the Dorset and Wilts cup matches, on 16th September.  

It was clear these were well-matched sides, competing fiercely at the ruck and good line speed and tackling from both back lines - the result being no score by 20 minutes into the first half. A lightning pick and go from a ruck down the tight blindside by Danny was the breakthrough Salisbury needed and he popped a well-timed pass to Bertie who sprinted 30 metres to score near the corner to make the half time score 5:0. In the second half, Marlborough turned up the pressure and several times tries were saved by heroic tackling and good defensive positioning. Eventually after a mysterious penalty following a collapsed maul near the Salisbury line, Marlborough tapped and went, and after a couple of phases one of their powerful forwards surged over for a try, which was converted. Salisbury then rallied and retained possession in the opposition half for some time, and the backs were tantalisingly close to getting free two or three times. The Salisbury scrum just had the edge on the opposition throughout the match and won one against the head to none lost, but for the final play - a Salisbury scrum 15m out from the Marlborough line - another mysterious penalty was given for Salisbury second row collapsing the scrum and the ball was kicked dead with the score at 7:5 to the visitors. Marlborough were a worthy opponent and played some great rugby in great sportsmanlike spirit - everyone on the pitch and the touchline enjoyed the spectacle and are looking forward to the rematch at Marlborough on 16 December. Visitors' choice for Salisbury man of the match was Fraser O'Grady and coaches man of the match was Callum Grant.