On a not quite so frosty winter afternoon, but a tricky swirling wind, Salisbury travelled to Frome for the last game of 2024. It was a spectacular Yuletide result for Salisbury of 10-24 with no shortage of Christmas cheer from the local VP lunch.

It was a debut game for colt Will Barnard who led the backs with icy composure under pressure. This was complemented by a strong front five who were dominate throughout the game and had the Frome scrum retreating, as observed by a jolly spectator, like Santa’s sleigh in reverse.

Blackborow was substituted on the 24th through a head injury but the mighty young Santa lookalike, Mike Daulwalder entered the fray. Not for the first time, there was a strong Salisbury scrum and a 15m drive leading to a bulldozing Salisbury try from Mike Adams in the 25th minute. Conversion from Barnard with ice-cold precision - 0-7.

With mulled wine flowing in the stands, Frome took advantage of effective lineout drills which led to drive to the Salisbury line. There was, however, then a Grinch moment from the referee who ordered the release of the tackled Frome player who proceeded to drop and place the ball over the line for a try - the score was 7-7 on 30 minutes.

After a Frome penalty on 32 minutes, the weighty Salisbury front five continued to impose themselves with a pushover/penalty try on the stroke of half-time - 10-14 with Frome down to 14 players.

Due to the conditions, the second half started without much Christmas cheer but Crossley, Hammond and Spiers kept the workrate up attacking the line. They were supported by Dasher Boardman leading to a Salisbury penalty on the 66th minute and, with the wind calming temporarily, Barnard put Salisbury ahead - 10-17.

Due to a dominant scrum, captain Porter was confident that tries could be scored from penalties rather than relatively straightforward three points. This didn’t also come to fruition so may need some reflection on game management.

However, it was Salisbury’s game and there were more tinsel times to come.

Rather than line outs, scrums were correctly the best option for the mighty snowmen upfront and this resulted in another pushover/penalty try - 10-24. This was the last move of the game and was a well deserved Christmas present for the players and travelling supporters.

Although the match may not have been a festive feast of rugby, it was filled with the perfect blend of grit and goodwill and both teams embraced the spirit of the season. Salisbury are 4th in the league and the next match is a home fixture against Chippenham II on Saturday, January 4.