Westbury progress after hard-fought derby win

Westbury made the short trip to Warminster for the opening round of the Bath Combination Cup. With local-derby bragging rights on the line, the visitors knew they were in for a fierce contest. 

Westbury received the kick-off and immediately went on the attack, putting together some strong phases, but Warminster’s defence held firm. From their first meaningful spell of pressure, the home side earned a penalty and opted for the posts, taking an early 3–0 lead. 

Westbury responded well and, after earning a penalty of their own, Sione Binks stepped up but pushed the kick wide. Undeterred, the visitors continued to press, and some excellent forward play saw pack leader Tom Redman crash over for the game’s first try. Sione added the extras to put Westbury 3–7 ahead. 

Warminster struck back almost instantly. Taking a quick restart while Westbury were still organising, a missed lineout gifted the hosts possession, and they crossed for their first try. The conversion drifted wide, giving Warminster an 8–7 lead. 

Stern words from the coaching team refocused Westbury, who replied with two quick tries. Fraser Moore continued his strong scoring form, before Sione Binks tapped quickly and powered over the line. Westbury went into the break leading 8–17. 

With changes made at half-time, Westbury looked to take greater control, but it was Warminster who opened the second-half scoring with a well-worked try, narrowing the gap to 13–17. 

The visitors then increased their intensity, meeting Warminster’s physicality head-on. Slick handling through the backline sent skipper Niall Fagan racing for the corner, only to be stopped inches short by a superb cover tackle. Alex Down was on hand to finish the move, with Sione adding the conversion for 13–24. 

Now firmly in control, Westbury’s dominant set piece provided a strong platform. Working the ball down the blindside, prop Alex Pearce made a powerful break, offloading to Niall who finished in the corner. The conversion went wide, but Westbury now held a 13–29 lead with 15 minutes remaining. 

Warminster pushed hard in the closing stages, and from the final play of the game they crossed for a consolation try, bringing the score to 18–29. 

A well-contested derby saw Westbury progress to the next round of the cup. Man of the Match was awarded to winger George Harford, who was excellent in both attack and defence. 

Next weekend, Westbury welcome Amesbury to Knott Field for a league and D&W Cup double-header. Come on down and support the team! 

Report: Jack Bates