Salisbury travelled to local rivals on Wimborne Saturday. A win would have significantly improved their chances of avoiding relegation but it wasn’t to be.

They faced a well organised Wimborne XV who used their superior forward pack and strength in midfield to inflict Salisbury’s sixth league defeat this year.

Wimborne signalled their intent from the kick-off.

Working through a number of phases with forwards and back combining efficiently to score a converted try in the second minute. To their credit, Salisbury responded almost immediately.

Will Murley cut through at pace from a well-executed move but was held up short. Salisbury elected to run a subsequent penalty but were forced back.

They kicked a further penalty to the corner; backrower James Kennedy broke through from the lineout and forced his way over for an unconverted try.

With the score at 7-5 in the hosts favour, Salisbury continue to attack but were often thwarted by unforced errors.

Wimborne then extended their lead with a penalty on 15 minutes and momentum was with them entering the second quarter.

They continued to move the ball with pace a purpose; increasing the pressure on the visitors and scoring their second try on 25 minutes.

A penalty on 36 minutes enabled them to establish an 18-5 lead but Salisbury were undaunted.

They finished the half on the front foot. They attacked from a scrum and moved the ball more fluently utilising runners coming onto the ball from depth.

While under pressure, the host conceded a penalty which Salisbury opted to kick to the corner.

The subsequent attack enabled hooker Bobby Brown to add Salisbury’s second try and finish the half trailing 18-10.

The second half started badly for the visitors. A knock-on at the restart gifted Wimborne field position. They then scored tries in quick succession on 46 and 47 minutes.

However, despite trailing 28-10, Salisbury’s response was spirited.

They placed the hosts under real pressure who were awarded a yellow card after deliberately collapsing a driving maul.

With the upper hand for much of the third quarter, Salisbury were awarded a penalty after a scrum which was kicked into the corner for Gareth Blackborow to bully his way over for an unconverted try.

With the score at 28-15 entering the final 10 minutes, Wimborne made sure of victory with a final converted try to finish at 35-15.

The loss places Salisbury nine points behind 10th place Newbury Blues with two matches remaining and a maximum of 10 league points available.