FEARFUL Salisbury Rugby Club will need to make a miraculous recovery in the new year if they are to retain their South West 1 (East) status after slipping to their heaviest defeat of the season at Marlow.

Trapped at the foot of the table, Neil Loader’s men were on the end of a 74-5 hammering on Saturday, which has opened the door to the Southern Counties Division.

Marlow, who aren’t having the best of seasons, were far stronger than the Castle Road outfit, not being troubled with injuries like Salisbury. They were able, like the hosts, to welcome back university students but due to Salisbury’s limited availability, many returnees were forced to play out of position.

Predictably, Marlow got off to a flying start and had a half century of points on the board by half-time.

Salisbury had worked hard but not really threatened the hosts’ line. As seen in recent weeks, the side grew in confidence after the break and took the game to the opposition.

Reward came with a score as Josh Green, playing at centre, broke the defensive line and carried into the opposition half before sending Genghis Miller away to leave defenders trailing in his wake.

As Miller was tackled he found Dave Tonge steaming up on his shoulder and only a despairing tackle stopped a certain score but, from the ruck, the impressive Neil Fox was driven over.

Despite several more flurries, the slim chances of pegging Marlow back vanished.

Salisbury are back in action at home to Newbury Blues on Saturday, January 4.

  • Salisbury Colts took on Ivel Barbarians in a pre-Christmas friendly that finished 10-10, with two Henry Toomer tries, the second on the end of a fine Jack Gurney chip, in atrocious conditions on Sunday afternoon.