KICKING-MACHINE Tom Lane grabbed 14 of Salisbury's 19 points with an explosive set of five kicks to flatten Oxford Harlequins in South West 1 (East).

The fly-half's reliable right-foot ensured Green and Whites avenged the reverse defeat - one of just two defeats they've suffered this season - with a 19-9 victory on unfamiliar surface.

A waterlogged pitch at their fortress meant the venue was swapped to one of the pitches on Hudson's Field.

Although playable, the ground was tacky underfoot and made life difficult for both outfits.

But Salisbury's forwards, led by captain Liam Gilbert, were robust and came out on top.

Their efforts helped Salisbury storm into an early lead with two well-taken penalties from Lane.

Oxford came back to score two of their penalties to head into the break tied at six a piece.

Early in the second half the forward, driving play by Salisbury gave an opportunity for Gareth Blackborrow to scramble over the line for the single try of the game. This was backed up by Lane's superb kick to restore their advantage.

The prolific kicker capitalised twice more with penalties to pull further clear of Oxford, boasting a 19-6 lead.

Salisbury had to survive a spell of intense, late pressure from Oxford, in which they managed to bag one more penalty.

"Oxford harlequins were tough, having beaten us earlier in the year they arrived with their tails up and put us under real pressure," reflected head coach Dan Jeffries.

“The try we scored was a sign of our forward control with Gareth Blackborrow diving over following a dominant maul."

"The star of the day was fly half Tom Lane who kicked five out of five to secure the victory for us.” 

Salisbury travel to top of the table Towcestrians, who they are two points adrift of, on Saturday.

He added: “It will have a huge impact on the season and we will prepare like we always do and take it to them with everything we have and see where that leaves us at the end of the battle.”