EUPHORIC scenes were captured when Salisbury RFC banished their 22-year drought without silverware – a historic day which will live long in the memory.

Hugs, tears and celebrations were shared on the day Salisbury made their mark by shaking their Southern Counties South counterparts with an 18-15 victory at North Dorset RFC.

And now, the Dorset and Wilts Senior Cup trophy has their names engraved on it for the first time since 1992.

Going by the form book, Swanage and Wareham were always red-hot favourites to clinch the trophy, comfortably cruising past all nine opponents in the league to open up a healthy margin at the peak.

But arguably, Swanage entered the final complacent following their in-form streak in the league, while Salisbury were unfazed and fearless.

From the word go, good early possession saw Tom Pottage profit with two penalties to give the green and white base a six-nil lead.

Swanage soon hit back with a try and then went ahead by three points with a penalty Salisbury conceded.

But, with half time approaching, a Salisbury line out eight metres from the Swans’ line was driven towards the try line by the excellent pack allowing Iain Miller to use all his height and weight to crash over for 11-8 lead.

The second half was cagey and the Castle Road outfit lost Josh Green to a knee injury, which could see him sidelined until post- Christmas.

But, nevertheless, this didn’t stop speedy Pottage from intercepting a Swans move to run the entire length of the pitch and score under the posts. And after catching his breath he converted the penalty to give Salisbury 18 points.

In the remaining 15 minutes, Swans asked plenty of Salisbury’s defence and got a converted try, which proved to be the last kick of the game.

Wild celebrations from the Salisbury supporters and team, tears from one or two, set the scene for a celebratory mood back at Salisbury RFC clubhouse.

  • The 2nd XV won their cup semi final against Swans 9-22 and the 3rd XV beat the Royal Wessex Yeomanry.