PLUCKY Salisbury RFC made a stunning start to their National League 3 South West account with a 21-16 victory over neighbours Bournemouth.

Proceedings got under way at a wet Castle Road, which attracted 250 fans, when debutant Robbie Keith scored under the posts, Tom Lane adding the extras.

Moments later, Keith fired home a penalty for an early 10-0 lead.

The visitors then clawed back three points via a penalty before Salisbury's dominance, with Rob Best and new captain Josh Green prominent in a series of forward drives, showed, mustering two further penalties. Lane duly dispatched them, and a well-worked try by Rob Larcombe against a further penalty for the visitors saw the sides turn around 21-6 in Green and Whites' favour.

Bournemouth were resurgent in the second half and came firing back at the hosts.

Their superbly marshalled defence, led by Larcombe with a bone-shuddering tackle on Chislett, kept them at bay for long spells.

But they succumbed when the visitors crossed for a try, added a conversion and a penalty to creep to within five points.

The revival made for a nailbiting finale and heroic defending from the hosts ensured they preserved their lead to rack up an opening day win.

Afterwards, returning coach Neil Loader posted on social media: "I'm massively proud of Salisbury RFC! Great attitude, determination and, above all, a great victory!"

Salisbury United defeated both the weather and a towering Trowbridge side to

run out 45-5 winners.

Some of the tries defied the conditions, with a brace for John Bird, Josh Stace, and Mark Lerpiniere. Rich Knight converted four and Euan Quinn rounded off the scoring by converting his own try.