SALISBURY were edged out 26-20 as they travelled north to play Shipston-on-Stour in Regional Two Tribute South Central.

This was the first ever meeting between the two clubs, so nobody had any idea what to expect.

Playing down the slope and with the wind behind them for the first half, Salisbury were quickly on the scoreboard when first XV debutant Fraser Doig crossed after nine minutes. Fly-half Charlie Smith converted for a 7-0 lead to the visitors.

Smith added a penalty, then a huge forward drive got number eight Mike Lawrence over for the second try for the Green and Whites.

Shipston reduced the deficit with a converted score of their own before Dom Porter closed the first half with a try in the corner for Salisbury from another forward drive.

At the break, Salisbury led by 20-7 but the second half was a different story.

Shipston kept the visitors pinned in their own half for most of it. They ran in three tries, two converted, to lead 26-20 with 10 minutes left to play.

Late in the game, Salisbury got back into Shipston's 22 and mounted a series of strong attacks but the hosts' defence held firm to secure victory.

Salisbury sit eighth in the early stages of the league table, with six points coming from their opening three games.

They host third-placed Stow-on-the-Wold on Saturday.