SALISBURY RFC bowed out of South West 1 (East) after being crushed to their 22nd defeat from 26 matches to cap a dismal season at Castle Road.

Going down 7-29 in front of a large and vociferous home contingent didn’t reflect Salisbury’s plucky and improved performance, but again proved to be insufficient for the level they’ve been competing at.

Opponents Maidenhead were solid and well equipped to run the ball at Salisbury whenever they could and they used this to their advantage.

A penalty and try saw the visitors ahead but home hopes were raised when Luke Esnouf, running well in support, received a ball and burst through the last tacklers to touch down behind the posts, converted by Andy Herriot. Alas, it did not get any closer as Maidenhead kept the scoreboard ticking steadily over, eventually winning by a healthy margin.

Undoubtedly head coach Neil Loader will be using the summer break to prepare his team for a revival, with the help of new manager in waiting Matt Pallas, in the Southern Counties League.

Lining up against the likes of old adversaries Swanage and Wareham, Wimborne and Corsham provides the city club with the perfect chance to answer its critics on the park.