A HARD-FOUGHT 27-7 win over Maidenhead put Salisbury RFC's promotion bid back on track after the disappointing defeat to Towcestrians.

Green and Whites made amends for losing out in the South West 1 (East) top-two showdown the Saturday before last with a convincing display over a fellow promotion rival.

A Dan Hammond try, with Tom Lane adding the extras and his penalty, cruised the hosts into a 10-0 ascendancy at the break.

The second half burst into life almost from the kick off as Maidenhead scored a deserved try and conversion to reduce the deficit to three points.

From the kick off, Salisbury started to exert forward pressure with thrusting drives from Gareth Blackborrow and Tom Ronaboldo, supported by Jon and James Kay. Salisbury started to gain the upper hand 20 minutes into the half and a superb try from Christian Metson, converted by Lane, gave Salisbury a 17-7 cushion, which was further increased by a Lane penalty.

With 10 minutes to go, man of the match, Josh Green, received a difficult pass from Ollie Bowden close to the touch line. He burst forward and kicked over the oncoming defender which allowed Dave Tonge, still with work to do, to score the try of the game close to the post. Lane converted and Salisbury ran out deserved winners.

Salisbury, now eight points behind Towcestrians with nine games to go, travel to Newbury Blues on Saturday.

Elsewhere, Salisbury United came up against a very strong Bournemouth squad in the Dorset & Wilts Div I League, going down 39-7.

The loss of Seb Powell after five minutes proved crucial as Salisbury found themselves trailing by 27 points at half-time. The second period saw the home side build on their dominance at the scrum and compete more evenly across the pitch, earning a well deserved try through debutant Jonathan James.