SALISBURY RFC cemented their hold on second place in South West Division 1 East with comfortable 52-21 victory away at Windsor.

The season had four games to run and with Towcestrians clear at the top, and Newbury breathing down their neck, it was important that Salisbury win at Windsor, a ground that has not always been a happy hunting ground.

True to form Salisbury started shakily, losing skipper Liam Gilbert to injury and two early penalties.

The Green and Whites however were not short of ideas and proceeded to vary their attacks at every opportunity. Tries from Dave Tonge and Christian Metson allowed them to move into a 17-8 lead.

Windsor then narrowed the gap with a penalty and then with Windsor exerting pressure Tom Ranaboldo was sent to the bin. Salisbury defended frantically but a quick tap by Danny Pyatt saw the Windsor scrum half scamper over untouched and the conversion restore the home lead at 18-17.

This kicked Salisbury into life with Rob Larcombe crossing just before half-time. After Dan Hammond scored straight after the break, Windsor were reduced to 14 men with Salisbury taking full advantage with Josh Green stretching the lead.

Hammond, Jamie Miller and Jon Goldsmith all added to the scoring to secure an important victory. This coupled with Newbury dropping a point they are now 6 points clear of third place with a visit to Leighton Buzzard to come next Saturday.

Salisbury United cemented 4th place in the Dorset & Wilts Division I by winning an entertaining but error-strewn game against Sherborne, courtesy of tries from youngsters Josh Stace and Henry Wilson, both converted by veteran Richard Knight.