Score

24:17

Tries; Carlos Kantolinna, Sam Waters, Harvey Drewitt (2)

Conversions : Sam Waters (2)

Report

Salisbury U15s continued their positive start to the season we a deserved win away at Winchester RFC. With a depleted squad of 20, due to availability and illness Salisbury put out a vastly different team compared to the last 2 games in the D&W Cup.

From the first KO SRFC played at a high tempo and the defensive line speed prevented Winchester from settling in to a match rhythm. Pressure from the 10 (Alexander B), 12 (Ben L-P) and 13 (Sam W) trio quickly resulted in a mistake from the Winchester 10 when Alexander closed him down and Sam Waters collected the loose ball on the move to cross for 5 before converting his own try to make it 7-0.

SRFC continued to play aggressively and at a high tempo when Harvey Drewett benefitted from a break by Carlos K to score. sam W adding the extra 2 again (14-0). Winchester came back strongly and scored in the left hand corner to make it 14-7. Salisbury once again displayed their team spirit and dogged determination for Carlos K to extend the lead to 19-7 before Harvey finished a fine phase of play and linkage between the forwards and backs to extend the lead to 24-7 at half time.

The second half didn’t go to plan and Winchester RFC upped their game after the break with a sustained period of pressure that resulted in a try (24-12). Under the kosh, SRFC defended extremely well before Winchester scored off a quick penalty to finish the game 24-17.

A great game that once again demonstrated the steel, resolve and camaraderie that the team is developing. Whilst a good team display, a couple of individual shout outs are deserved for some thundering tackles: Carlos, George Willoughby and Arthur Gilrith! Well done everyone a very positive performance that leaves us well positioned to move in to the next series of games.

Training on Wednesday – with a number of areas to work on… The Coach is never 100% happy after all…!!!!