Salisbury United 0 - Melksham 38
Saturday 16th. December: Salisbury United, the club's second string, welcomed Melksham to Castle Road and the 1st XV travelled to Tottonians.
Salisbury's 2nds had started the season well, with 5 wins in their first 5 games but lost the next 2. Melksham were even more successful with 7 bonus point wins from 7, so Salisbury expected a tough encounter.
The initial exchanges were fairly even. Melksham were quickly on the scoreboard with a penalty. Salisbury had the chance to equalise soon after, but the kick from fly-half James Gamble drifted just wide. Melksham then spent a long time deep in Salisbury territory, and following an infringement the referee awarded Melksham a penalty try for a 10-0 lead. Melksham scored again late in the half to go into the break leading by 17 points to nil.
Melksham were not doing anything fancy, just executing the basics very well, and were quick to seize any opportunities. Salisbury defended solidly throughout and for a while threatened Melksham's goal-line, but they were unable to breach the visitors' defence. Three times in the half Melksham were able to pick up a loose ball and run in tries, all of which were converted for a 38-0 win.
After the game Salisbury coach Nik Mould said "Melksham were a good team today and richly deserved the win. But we defended with pride and commitment and deserved some points, so we are disappointed not to have crossed their line".
The 1st XV travelled to Tottonians who were third in the league. Totts got off to a fast start, scoring a quick try. Salisbury replied with a try from winger Dan Hammond, and the rest of the first half was closely contested. Salisbury were disrupted after the break with injuries to key forwards James Kennedy, Tom Ranaboldo and Charles Kantolinna. Prop Bobby Brown continued his scoring spree with a try with 10 minutes to go. Totts closed out the game with try right at the end for a final score of Tottonians 35 Salisbury 10.
The players now have a break from serious action, with the leagues resuming on 6th. January. The 1st and 3rd XVs are away, and the 2nd XV welcome Corsham 2nds to Castle Road.
On Boxing Day the club will host the annual friendly match in memory of Rory Walworth, a young player who died in 2009 in a cycling accident. This is always a lively game, kick-off is at 13:00 and all supporters will be very welcome.
Report and photos: John Palmer
