SALISBURY A put in a gritty team performance against Melksham but eventually lost by a solitary point.

Mike Smith's try, converted by Mark Lerpiniere, gave Salisbury the lead but Melksham responded with two converted tries either side of a Larpiniere penalty.

Melksham scored again shortly after the break, and Salisbury were only able to respond with two further penalties from Lerpiniere.

The hosts' centre pairing of John Smith and Richard Davidson ran strongly at the defence at every opportunity as Salisbury did everything but snatch victory, losing 16-17.

Neil Loader's first team are back in action on Saturday where they look to come out victorious in a six-pointer clash with Cheltenham (2.30pm) at Castle Road.

  • MIKE Brown won more praise for his performance in England’s 30-22 defeat to New Zealand at Twickenham on Saturday, the last of the QBE Autumn Internationals. The former Wyvern College pupil and Salisbury RFC player was winning his 21st cap.