THIS is by no means an excuse for another woeful half of rugby but Salisbury’s ever lengthening injury list, coupled with non availability through work commitments, is making it very difficult for side to achieve any continuity.

Things were compounded early in the first half when skipper Rob Larcombe was helped from the pitch following a collision.

The visitors had shipped 36 points to a Chippenham side who were full of intent and hard running but precious little else before Joe Tully scored in the dying seconds of the first half. There was still time for the home side to add another score and turn around 43-5 to the good.

Gareth Black borrow assumed the captaincy and whatever he said at half time appeared to have worked as a far more cohesive display followed.

Flanker Joey Goldsmith was rewarded for another gargantuan display on the flank with a score, and although the hosts struck back the mazy running of Ross Stanley added another, converted by Nick Wootton.

Salisbury were beginning to create phases of play, Rob Becher and Goldsmith leading the way with some huge carries, but all too often poor execution led to the loss of possession. Chippenham scored again before Goldsmith responded in kind for his second giving Salisbury a losing try bonus leaving the hosts to round things off with a final try for a 38 point winning margin.

This was not a vintage display and conditions were difficult, cold, wet and toward the end, almost dark, but Salisbury were not making any excuses.

Drawing the second half from the position they were in showed a great deal of character, they will need to dust themselves down and prepare for the visit of Marlborough’s high flying Galacticos on Saturday.

Salisbury RFC Womens’ XV travelled to Melksham and played a 12 a side match, showing true enthusiasm and passion and producing a game played at a high tempo from start to finish.

Salisbury achieved their first victory of the season with a score of 30-22.

Tries came from Caitlin Mort, who nabbed a brace, Molly Gibson, Laura Fearnfield, Flo Dohollo and Dinger.

Their next fixture is at home on Sunday against Newbury.

Please do come and support your local Salisbury Women’s Team and if you are interested in giving it a go, then please get in touch with the team manager Laura Nicholson via email at ladiessenioradmin@salisburyrfc.org