Salisbury got back to winning ways in a hotly contested encounter against Walcot, clinching a 29 - 31 victory in the dying moments.

Following a comprehensive defeat in the reverse fixture earlier in the season, Salisbury approached the game determined to sharpen up and put the disappointment of last week’s defeat to Sherborne behind them.

They did exactly that, securing a memorable win with a late penalty from fullback Ollie Bate.

The game began with Salisbury making an early statement. Their scrum, which has been growing in strength in recent weeks, dominated the opening exchanges, setting the platform for No. 8 Jake McConnell to power over within the first few minutes.

Centre Dan Hammond extended the lead soon after with a clinical finish in the corner following skilled interplay in the backline stemming from a free kick 10 metres out.

Walcot are talented and like to play at high tempo. They began to find their rhythm and struck back midway through the half. Flanker Edward Harris capitalised on sustained pressure and broke clean to score under the posts. The conversion brought the score to 7-10 on 15 minutes. Salisbury responded entering the second quarter. Moving the ball left and then right through a number of clean rucks Hammond found a way through a stretched Walcot defence to score his second try. Bate added the extras to extend the lead to 7-17. The remainder of the half was keenly contested as Salisbury working hard to contain a series of threatening attacks from the hosts.

Walcot began the second half strongly and continued to play at high tempo. They were rewarded when winger Olliver Mitchell scored a converted try out wide to narrow the deficit to 14 – 17 four minutes into the half. The visitors responded with a Bate penalty moments later to provide some breathing space at 14 – 20 but it was short lived. A second try for Walcot’s wing Mitchell narrowed the gap to a single point at 19 – 20 on 51 minutes.

Salisbury needed to steady the ship and did so with a further penalty from Bate to push the lead to four points. After a scrappy period, Salisbury managed to gain some control with the front five carrying effectively they sustained some phases to enable centre Harvey Boardman to score in the corner for 19 – 28 lead entering the final quarter.

The home side were at their best during the closing stages placing Salisbury under intense pressure. Through sharp ball handling and playing at pace, Walcot scored unconverted tries on 64 and 72 minutes taking a 29 – 28 lead. But the visitors mounted a spirited final assault when Hammond cut through and established vital field position. With the hosts under pressure Salisbury earned a penalty in the last minute which Bate coolly slotted for a remarkable the 29 – 31 win.

Salisbury will take a break from league action next Saturday and will host Dorchester at Castle Road on February 1.