WESTBURY travelled to neighbours Warminster knowing that a win would guarantee second position in the league.
Warminster also knew that they needed to beat Westbury to have any chance of claiming the second position for themselves, so all was in place to produce a keenly fought game.
Westbury were the first on the scoreboard when centre James Catley-Day touched down after a line out, where the ball was passed out to the backs and shifted wide to the wing then quickly worked back inside for James to score. The conversion was missed.
New signing Scott Lowe came on as an injury replacement and announced his arrival with the first of a brace of tries he was to score. Stand-off Sam Leat kicked the conversion. Warminster replied with a penalty which was to be their only score in the first half.
The final score of the first half was by Jamie Dixon, who was playing at left wing, following an attack where both the forwards and backs were involved in possibly the best ball handling of the game, Dixon being the beneficiary of the move to touch down. Once more Sam Leat kicked the conversion. 19 – 3 to Westbury at half time.
The second half kicked off and within five minutes Scott Lowe scored his second and Westbury’s bonus point try after a ruck close to the Warminster try line. The try was not converted. Warminster fought back hard and scored two converted tries which would bring them into losing bonus point range at 17 – 24 to Westbury.
There then came the most outrageous try, which was scored by Westbury flanker Reece Ball, who was passed the ball on the halfway line close to touch. Ball then raced off down the pitch, shaking off defenders and running around Warminster players to dive over the try line. Sam Leat kicked the conversion. This try and conversion removed Warminster’s chance of the losing bonus point.
Westbury’s sixth try was scored by outside centre Dave King, when he was passed the ball by wing Dixon after he had carried deep into Warminster territory. The try was not converted.
Warminster were to have the last word when they added their third converted try. This would not be enough to get the losing bonus point back and Westbury’s six tries were enough to claim all the league points with a scoreline of 24 – 36.
Westbury’s forward of the match was Reece Ball, chosen for his strong ball carrying and of course his solo effort for his try. The back of the match was Dave King, selected for his strong defensive work and hard tackling. Both picked by the senior members of the club.
This win secured Westbury’s League position of second place with one game left to play which will be against unbeaten leaders Melksham. Win or lose, third place Warminster cannot catch Westbury.
Report by Paul Couzens.
