Sat 13th Jan. Dorset and Wilts Central Counties Two Tribute. Westbury RFC 64-17 Salisbury RFC 2nd XV
WESTBURY welcomed Salisbury 2nd XV for the third meeting between the two sides this season in both cup and league; the honours were even with the sides having won a game each. Both teams were keen to win what would be the deciding fixture.
Salisbury was the better side earlier on when after eight minutes they scored three points from a penalty, awarded for a Westbury high tackle. Westbury then started to organise themselves and were rewarded with a converted try after 15 minutes when new signing, Kacper Polczynski, broke through the Salisbury defence to score his first try for the club which was converted by standoff, Sam Leat.
Following this score, Westbury took charge of the game and with some excellent rugby, ran in three more tries, scored by centre, Dave King, twice, and full back James Leat; all converted by Sam Leat. At half time Westbury had a healthy lead of 28-3.
Westbury started the second half by scoring a try straight from the kick off, scored by wing George Harford after he was passed the ball by James Leat who had carried it up towards the half way line. With plenty still to do, Harford broke out from his own half and brushing aside a couple of Salisbury’s defenders, out ran everybody to the opposition try line. Westbury fought hard again to break down the stiff Salisbury defence and after approximately 15 minutes, centre Niall Fagan, scored the sixth try which was not converted, giving Westbury a lead of 38-3.
Westbury were then guilty of taking their foot of the gas and consequently allowed Salisbury to score two converted tries.
The White Horse Men pulled themselves together and ended the game having scored four more tries. James Leat claimed two of them, adding to his previous one, and one more try was scored by Dave King, the fourth being a penalty try. With the extras that were added, Westbury ran out the winners by 64-17.
Considering the team had not played since 16th December they returned to form quickly and except for a 15-minute period during the game, they were always on top. This surely must be down to the coaching skills of Simon Leat and Mark Ball who have worked hard with the players all of the season.
It was decided by the supporters that the forward of the match was Jack Bates and the back of the match was Dave King. Due to the anomalies of the league set up, Westbury have another week off until Saturday 27th January when Corsham 2nd XV will pay a visit to Knott Field.
Report by Paul Couzens.
