Swindon College Old Boys 20-43 Salisbury - 15th. Jan 2022

Salisbury maintained their good form with a convincing win 20-43 at Swindon College Old Boys and retained second place in the league.  The backs started very strongly, with William Lewin returning a drop out and scything through for a superb try in the first minute. This was quickly followed by a reaching punt from Blake Ryder deep into the host’s territory which was collected by Dan Hammond who crossed for the second score, converted by Tom Tully.

Old Boys possessed a strong set of forwards and worked hard but could not really secure a toehold in the game, the visitors’ defence holding firm. Salisbury showed skill and flare in attack and were rewarded when Bobby Saunders scored a bullocking try, again Tully added the extras.

The hosts’ forward power finally paid off with a try but a quick tap penalty by Ed Crossley saw him break, kick ahead, gather and feed Max Bishop for the bonus point score, the metronomic boot of Tully added another conversion. A well drilled first phase move from a lineout saw Hammond clinically finish things off for his second score and a twenty six point lead at the break.

Old Boys started the second half well with a quick try having put the Salisbury forwards  under pressure but a display of dogged determination saw Crossley at the end of a five pass move, which included two front row juggernauts, to stretch the lead with a score and Tully once again delivered the conversion points.

The visitors then lost their way somewhat with Old Boys dominating possession and territory and securing two tries moving the score to 20-38. Salisbury rallied and an athletic leap from Crossley kept the ball in play, Lewin who launched a huge kick to pressurise the home defence into conceding a penalty. Another quick tap and some deft passing led to George Fossey scoring in the corner. 

Salisbury welcome Walcott to their Castle Road fortress next Saturday. The game kicks off at 1415hrs and all support is welcome.

Report: Neil Tonge