SALISBURY Rugby Club entertained Chichester and a Territorial Army XV in a series of friendly matches at Castle Road.

The Utd XV were hit by late withdrawals and played a number of key players out of position. Despite a spirited performance, the well-drilled Chichester 2nd XV pulled away in the second period for a deserved win.

Salisbury 1st XV were involved in a much tighter tussle with their Sussex counterparts who play at an equivalent level in the London Division.

This was Chichester’s third friendly game and the difference in match fitness showed as the game went on.

Salisbury enjoyed long periods of possession but were unable to turn them into points.

Playing at fullback, the returning Phill Carr caught the eye with some strong running from deep, and was a plus for the home side in a narrow defeat.

Salisbury A XV lost to a TA side bolstered by a number of players who had turned out for the home XVs earlier in the day.

Results aside, this was a useful day for the players and the watching coaching and selection committee.

Salisbury open their league account with a trip to Maidenhead this Saturday (3pm).