SALISBURY Rugby Club made a bit of history on Saturday afternoon during their home game against Buckingham, writes JOHN PALMER and NEIL TONGE.

Daniel Jugg made the step up from junior age-group to senior rugby this season. He came on as a replacement soon after half-time to make his 1st XV debut.

He is following in the boot-prints of his grandfather David, who represented Salisbury in the 1950s and 60s, and his father Russell, who played in the 80s and 90s - and still turns out for the 2nd and 3rd XV when needed.

It took Daniel a while to get his hands on the ball but turned out to be a dream debut when he scored a try with the final move of the game, as the home side were narrowly beaten 22-17.

Salisbury may come to view this as the one that got away after mistakes led to concession of scores at just the wrong times in a finely balanced match.

The visitors started brightly in the bleak conditions and from a period of pressure came away with a penalty. Salisbury came back almost immediately when Dave Tonge’s excellent kick was gathered by veteran try machine Tom Pottage for a score, converted by Adam Clayson.

Salisbury could not gain the ascendancy they had enjoyed the previous week at the set piece and possession became a bit of a lottery but even so the hosts were shading the contest.

With half time approaching Salisbury failed to chase a clearing kick with any conviction and Buckingham’s fullback was able to weave his way to the line for a converted score.

Clayson added a penalty after the break but a further try from the visitors extended their lead.

Salisbury enjoyed a period of sustained pressure and were rewarded when Daniel Jugg, one of two debutants alongside prop Sean Galloway, scampered over for a try, converted by Clayson.

It was too little too late again but there have been changes behind the scenes at the club and there would seem to be a more positive air about the side.

Director of Rugby, Richard Lloyd, tipped his hat to the debutants as well as the ageless Richard West and Pottage, and the tireless Seb Jones who was playing his last game for a while.

Captain Tonge added: "The boys are positive, their attitude is fantastic, a win is not too far away."