Salisbury 11 - Tottonians 32
15th. October 2022: The Green and Whites were looking to kick start their season with a win against in-form visitors Tottonians who, despite their geographical proximity, they had never met in the league before. The threatened rain stayed away and the sun shone with a stiff breeze blowing up the park.
The visitors drew first blood driving over from a lineout in the first five minutes. Salisbury responded and were looking confident on the ball however they were still lacking the penetration they require to turn possession into points. Totts extended their lead with a penalty before the trusty boot of Xav Hastings pulled two scores back but again the visitors responded in kind.
On the stroke of half time Tom Tully crashed over for a score and the hosts were right back in the game with two points separating the sides.
Salisbury looked to take the fight to the visitors but Totts were well drilled and repulsed all attacks while quietly and efficiently keeping the scoreboard turning over in their favour. Again Salisbury looked to run out of steam in the final quarter and this must now be a source of concern to the coaching team. The Green and Whites looked a side well beaten at the end.
Next Saturday the team travel to Buckingham for a real battle of the basement sides and hopefully a victory to raise confidence levels. In fairness Salisbury’s start to the season has seen them lose to the top four sides in the league but fare better against two rather less illustrious opponents. The travelling support will be looking for crumbs of comfort.
Report: Neil Tonge
Photos: John Palmer
