Trowbridge lose to neighbours Salisbury

This was Salisbury's first visit to Doric Park, as the team's have been in separate leagues in Trowbridge's two previous years at the new venue. Trowbridge were dealt a blow with a broken foot injury to Lloyd Davis, and also the unavailability of Dave Finlay. They were forced to introduce Ollie Weaver at fly half, when his only previous appearances have been at scrum half and on the wing. He rose to the occasion with an assured display that promises well for the future. Lee Fairclough and Matt Howard were recalled after being unavailable for the Grove match when they were attending a wedding.

Conditions were difficult with a wet pitch and mistakes were made by both teams, but the match was close and entertaining. Play was even at the outset and neither team gain the upper hand. The first opportunity came when Weaver was short with a penalty attempt, but the defences were on top and there were few chances in the first half. Both sides sides were guilty of giving away penalties when they were in promising positions and Salisbury were especially guilty of this in the last few minutes of the half. Trowbridge wing George Fowles was given a yellow card after half an hour for a deliberate knock, but the Doric Park side did not allow Salisbury to gain any advantage while they were playing with 14 men. After his return just before the break and the introduction of Matt Howard from the bench, Trowbridge forced a line out close to the Salisbury line. Trowbridge won the ball and pressed, but a speculative kick ahead found Salisbury full back Tom Lane, who fumbled the ball on the goal one and Howrd gathered and went over for a try. Weaver's conversion attempt bounced back off the crossbar from the touchline.

Trowbridge attacked from the start of the second half, but Salisbury managed to clear. Salisbury had sent on Liam Gilbert who made a big difference, winning more line outs and introduced more urgency to their play. 10 minutes into the half, the scores were level again when the Salosbury forwards forced there way over fo a try, Gilbert touching down. They looked as though they would show the reasons for their second position in the league, but Trowbridge rallied. Half way through the half, Weaver kick a penalty to make the score 8-5, but Salisbury fly half Charlie Jennings scored a try for the visitors with 8 minutes remaining. Tom Lane converted and tHe teams played out the match without further scoring

Trowbridge travel to Leighton Buzzard next Saturday, and other results meant that High Wycombe are closing the gap between the clubs after a win over Grove.