SRFC U16s 17 V Chippenham U16s 17

Even with extra preparation, we knew this would be a ‘proper’ game of rugby and it did not disappoint.  We got the feeling that believed this would be a fairly routine Chippenham victory.  (our last game was a 54-5 Chippenham victory).

Try scorers - Sam Knight x2 and Harry S.

Conversions 1/3 - George Gairdner

POTM- Junior ( who was presented with a £25 pizza voucher from NFU Mutual Partner Simon Hedges) 

The early points went to Chippenham before we hit back through Sam scoring under the sticks which was then converted by George G to make it 7-3 to Salisbury.  The game momentum swung to and fro until we began to dominate them across all areas, the scrummaging and rucking/ counter rucking being a particular highlight.  This led to us pinning them back in their half and applying pressure to force an opening for Harry S to score in the corner.  With the angle so acute, George was not able to add the extras. A slip-up after the restart allowed them an opportunity to kick for a goal and that meant that we went into halftime 12-6 although the game momentum remained with us.

Some personnel changes and we began the second half but within minutes Chippenham not only scored a try but also a penalty kick to nudge the score line to 12-14 in their favour. Chippenham attacks came in waves and due to some poor discipline we found ourselves camped on our line and under the cosh- however once again the lads try line defence was faultless and a turn over led to us clearing our lines to move back up the park.  The game shifted back in our favour and Sam scored another try, sadly not converted.  The remainder of the half was a an arm wrestle with Chippenham equalling our score.  A tense last 10 minutes saw us throw everything at Chippenham to break the deadlock to no avail- the score was to remain 17-17.

This was a brilliant performance by the squad - connected, mature, controlled rugby played at tempo.  The lads stunned Chippenham and rattled their players/ parents and coaches who are clearly used to beating teams easily -  it’s a huge shame that we couldn’t get the win but it was clear to see the levels of effort put in by the team and they came off the pitch beaming! 

I personally felt a huge amount of pride for how they performed today and feel very confident that we can continue in the same vein against Wimborne next week.

Well done boys, they have just gone toe to toe with one of the best performing clubs in the area and easily matched them- a top effort! 

We have 3 games left in the season and  our aim is to win all 3.