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So often in the past Swanage have proved to be Salisbry's nemesis in both the Dorset & Wilts Cup competition and league South West 2 East fixtures, but on Saturday with the prospect of promotion places hotting up the home side, with their multi dimensional game, cruised into 2nd place behind league leaders Chippenham. Swanage, never to be underestimated, including away from home, saw the first 12 minutes of this immensely important fixture, with both teams at loggerheads vying for forward supremacy. Historically Swanage who have always proven to be very effective at the "pick and drive" rolling maul style of play, were finding it difficult to breach Salisbury's resolute defence. Around the fringes of the scrums and rucks Nick Triniman and Jack Fishwick, accompanied by James Kay, were flawless in the tackle and even when the ball was spread wide by the visitors captain Dave Bell and inside centre Terry Gilmour did not miss their man. Salisbury were now well in the groove and had Swanage on the back foot, Pressurising in their 22 metre area Salisbury set up a rolling maul of their own, which was enough to give Nick Taylor the impetus and strength to drive through for Salisbury's first try. In the 16th minute a rare mistake awarded the visitors with a simple penalty which was slotted by their fly half. An inspirational performance by 2nd Row Dave Thorpe saw Salisbury in the ascendency and the team work proved invaluable throughout the first half, creating a platform for the wing three quarters to pick their excellent lines of run, cutting the Swanage defence into pieces. Dave Bell found himself receiving quick ball and weaved and sliced his way through the cover defence to go over for a try approaching half time. Swanage were beginning to look somewhat beleaguered and looked relieved as the half time whistle blew with Salisbury ahead 10-3. The second half commenced and although both sides were evenly matched in the line out due to key players being unavailable, the home side just nudging ahead with primary possession 2 minutes into the half saw a move down the left hand touch line, going through 5 or 6 pairs of hands and finally ending with Phil Chesters cutting inside, alluding the one defender to go over for a classic try. Tom Pottage was accurate with the conversion to add the extra 2 points. Swanage's pack still proved to be a problem for Salisbury with them taking one or two against the head, but it was in the back division where Salisbury were by far the superior. Swanage, with no answer to their decisive running options, saw in the 50th minute Christian Metson received a well worked move out wide and ran clear to score in the right hand corner. Again the conversion was added by Pottage who then slotted a further 3 point penalty in front of the post to extend Salisbury's lead. Phil Chesters and Richard Lang linked well together out of defence and set up yet another opportunity which Christian Metson capitalised on and sliced through Swanage's defence to go over for his second try. Prop forward Richard West came on to provide fresh legs, as did Charlie Starkey who came on for the injured James Kay. Although the forward confrontation remained brutal and physical throughout the afternoon, Salisbury just proved too good for their opponents and finished a fine afternoon's work with Richard Lang deserving his 80th minute try to round off a fantastic home performance.

Salisbury now have a respite from league action but nevertheless have a formidable fixture in the semi-final of the Dorset & Wilts cup versus Bournemouth, at home with a 3.00 p.m. kick off.

Salisbury's 2nd team, away to Swanage 2nds, after a spirited performance unfortunately went down to their rivals, 11-0.

Salisbury 3rds go through to the County Cup 3rd team final having beaten Bournemouth 3rds 25-5.