SALISBURY Rugby Club suffered an early setback in their South West Division 1 East season, going down 43- 24 in their opening game of the campaign.

An already difficult trip to Maidenhead was made more difficult to Mark Bugden’s squad by a spate of injuries, forcing many players to play out of position.

But brushing aside the unfamiliar line-up, the visitors started brightly and played some good rugby, taking the game to the hosts.

Maidenhead twice infringed as Salisbury gained good field position and Rory Davis calmly converted two penalties to give the visitors the lead.

However, their cushion was short-lived as Maidenhead charged back and took advantage of some poor defending to cross for tries through Tom Simpson and Jason Townsend, with Mike Virgo converting the first.

Davis added another penalty to stay in touch as Salisbury continued to play expansive rugby but, shortly before half-time, the home side exploited some poor tackling to add two further tries through Colin Kerins and Townsend, to make it 24-9 at the break.

The second half continued in the same vein, with the visitors playing with no lack of ambition and some impressive handling, but defence was still a weakness as Simpson, Kerins and Karl Kempton all ran home tries in a ten-minute period.

Being 31 points adrift, Salisbury began to show their true grit and upped the ante.

Firstly, Phil Carr scored the try of the game, and then James Kay, playing out of position on the wing, touched down.

Davis converted Carr’s try, but desperate home defence kept Salisbury at bay and condemned them to a disappointing defeat.

Salisbury are likely to be without Josh Green (injured) for their home clash on Saturday with Marlow at Castle Road.

  • Salisbury’s United and A XVs both played their final friendlies against Millbrook at Castle Road. United XV lost 35-7, while the A XV won 17-10.
  • Salisbury Colts went down 19-0 to a very strong Bournemouth side.
  • Salisbury RFC U16 players James Bagguley and Jack Busby have been selected to attend Bath Rugby’s Academy. They join a prestigious list of club players who have made the step.