MISSED chances cost Salisbury United in their 24-20 home defeat to Weymouth and Portland in Dorset and Wilts 1 South.

Luke Esnouf marked his return to action with a try alongside Manasa, but the half ended 12-10 to the visitors

After the break, a Richard Knight penalty looked to turn the balance in favour of Salisbury but two tries in quick succession took the game away from the home side despite a desperate fightback in the final minutes. Mitchell Knott-Craig scored a try, converted by Knight.

They remain in third place.

In Dorset and Wilts 2 South, Salisbury thirds boosted their title challenge with a 43-10 win - a fifth in a row - at Ellingham and Ringwood seconds.