RELEGATED Salisbury RFC slumped to a fifth straight defeat at the hands of Hornets 32-6 on a 4G pitch.

The hosts, based in Weston-super-Mare, ran in three tries in the first half and, on each occasion, the visitors’ poor tackling allowed them into areas from which they could complete scores.

Salisbury’s sole riposte was a penalty from Tom Lane.

He added another at the start of the second period as Green and Whites dominated possession and territory for a spell but the hosts’ physicality both in the tackle and at the breakdown continually turned possession over and they were rewarded with three further scores and a conversion.

Salisbury now visit Bournemouth in a fortnight and will attempt to end the season with a victory.

Talking on a tough season for the firsts, head coach Neil Loader told JournalSport: “The team are fine but obviously disappointed we weren’t able to survive in National League 3 South West.

“It was always going to be a difficult year after being promoted two years on the bounce, but I believe the guys have demonstrated in enough games how close we are to being able to sustain ourselves at Level 5.”

“I’ve very much enjoyed being back and I very much hope I can stay in my role as head coach for the season in South West 1 (East).

n SALISBURY United cruised to a 62-12 victory over Bournemouth thirds in Dorset and Wilts 1 South.

The firm conditions suited the offloading ability of the home team and there was a hat-trick for debutant Jared Cardew and a 14 point-haul from Scott Neary.

A brace of tries for each of Mark Lerpiniere and Theo Daniel, plus further scores from Pete MacLennan and youngster Tobi Arnold, completed the scoring, confirming third place in the league and a chance to take the runners-up spot in their final game.

They close the season away at Wimborne on Saturday, April 22.