Salisbury secured their third consecutive league victory on Saturday with a hard-fought 13–5 win against Combe Down at Castle Road. The match was physical, with a significantly altered Salisbury XV struggling at times to gain field position and sustain possession.

Despite their position at the bottom of Counties 1 Southern South, Combe Down proved themselves to be a determined and capable side. They tested Salisbury’s defence with strong, direct running in midfield and showed patience in working through their attacking phases. Salisbury, however, responded with resolute tackling that consistently thwarted several promising Combe Down attacks. The home team sought to exploit the pace of wingers Rob Crossley and Theo Andre-Browning, frequently spinning the ball wide from set pieces. While this proved effective at times, Salisbury’s inability to maintain continuity, coupled with a scrummage under pressure for much of the first half, hindered their progress.

The opening score came 20 minutes in when Salisbury capitalised on a poorly executed Combe Down drop kick from their 22-metre line. A swift counterattack involving excellent support play and handling, allowed Tristan Jones to cross the line for an unconverted try. However, the lead was short-lived; eight minutes later, Combe Down levelled the score with an unconverted try of their own after a series of well-executed rucks created space and an easy route to the try line.

Salisbury regained the lead in the 30th minute with a clever decision by Jacques Kinnison to run a penalty. Catching the visitors off guard, Andre-Browning touched down for the home side’s second unconverted try, leaving the halftime score at 10–5.

The second half saw Combe Down persist with their direct and physical style, but Salisbury’s defensive commitment remained steadfast. A strengthened scrummage in the second period, aided by Dom Porter’s return to the second row, allowed Salisbury to relieve pressure more effectively and create momentum in midfield. However, injuries, occasional bad temper, and a lack of attacking fluency from both sides meant that opportunities were scarce. The only score of the half came in the 76th minute when Hugh Bate slotted a penalty, extending Salisbury’s fragile lead to 13–5.

Despite needing to score twice in the final four minutes if they were to win, Combe Down played with greater tempo. Their relentless pressure in the dying moments nearly resulted in a second try, but Salisbury’s defence held firm to secure the victory.

This hard-earned win elevates Salisbury to fifth in the league standings. They now turn their attention to an away fixture against ninth-placed Melksham on Saturday