THE woes of last season appear to have been banished as Salisbury RFC turned in a scintillating display of free-flowing rugby to warm the hearts of a sizeable crowd at Castle Road and start life in Southern Counties with a triumphant outcome.

The home side, entertaining Frome on the opening day, launched attack after attack, forcing their opponents to concede an early penalty.

Tom Pottage struck, before James Kaminski plucked an interception from the air and cantered home, Pottage adding the extras.

An attacking lineout saw Richard West, relishing his role as an impact replacement, drive over from short range, before hard work from Paddy Flood on the left wing saw him shrug off two attempted tacklers and steer clear of danger.

Dave Tonge stepped through a gap and drew the last defender before sending Tom Ranoboldo thundering over for the bonus point try, Liam Gilbert adding the extras on this occasion to sail into a 29-0 half time lead.

Salisbury were clearly enjoying their new chapter and Tonge was at the heart of Salisbury’s impressive moves.

The interval did not affect the rhythm as Kaminski added another try before skipper Gilbert stretched his legs and grabbed a brace in quick succession.

Slick hands sent Flood in again before Matt Heal got his name on the score sheet.

A weaving run from Pottage saw him in under the posts before Kaminski, who seemed to receive more passes from the opposition than his own team mates, intercepted again to round the scoring off at 74-7.

Salisbury’s result has left them locked in midtable as they were docked five points by the RFU for forfeiting a clash last year.

Head coach Dan Jeffries said: “I’m disappointed that we conceded but ecstatic with the outcome.

“There were excellent performances from Tonge, Ranoboldo and Flood as we played at an intensity that Frome could not live with.”

The firsts go to Midsomer Norton on Saturday.

Salisbury United went down 33-7 to a tough East Dorset, while Salisbury Colts beat Trowbridge 36-13 with a dominant display from their pack, who scrimmaged superbly throughout.

The under 15s emerged victorious from a physical encounter with Melksham, ending 22-5.