FRESH from whipping basement-dwellers Supermarine by a remarkable 123 points to nil, Salisbury RFC are hoping to stride ever closer to a dream appearance at the home of English rugby.

The Green and White contingent face up against Thatcham in the Southern Counties Intermediate Cup semi-finals as they strive towards reaching Twickenham.

Impressive Salisbury, who made it five straight wins in the league and are now on the coat-tails of Sherborne and Swanage and Wareham, will be pressing the pedal at Castle Road on Saturday (2pm).

First team manager Matt Pallas has tipped his army to get the better of the opposition in front of an anticipated bumper crowd.

He said: “Our preparation couldn’t have gone any better with two convincing performances home and away post-Christmas, which has set this game up to be a mouthwatering encounter.”

“The lads know that there will be no second chance and will have to compete for 80 minutes and not cave in to the pressure we put Thatcham under. We know that the opposition are a good team but it’s about our game and how we play.

“If we keep hold of the ball and use it wisely Thatcham won’t get a chance. We genuinely have threats from all over the field and we need to realise that once the referee blows the whistle at the start.

“If we get our game right and play to our ability, we’re that little bit closer to playing in the final at Twickenham.

The motivation for that prize really spurs us on and the lads will be playing their hearts out.”

The confidence-fuelled hosts, eyeing up promotion, found themselves 56-0 up at half time on Saturday.

Six of the 20 tries scored came from Tom Pottage, coupled with eight conversions, as he marked his 200th Salisbury appearance in true style.

Josh Green and Rob Larcombe scored three tries each. Liam Gilbert scored two and one conversion. Oly Davies scored one try which he converted.

Further tries were landed from Richard West, pictured, Tom Ranaboldo, Howie Stewart, Rich Roe and Jon Goldsmith.

  • Salisbury Colts won a scintillating fixture against a strong Sherbourne side 17-14 to set up a tie against Bournemouth in the next round of the Wiltshire and Dorset Cup.