Calne's 2nd team made a triumphant return, beating Sutton Benger 33-12 in their first game in 3 years. The team comprising mainly of new recruits were supplemented by a hand full of veterans and the 1st team captain and vice captain - who were on couting duty.

Benger's experienced pack controlled the early set pieces whilst Calne's young backs had the better of their streetwise counterparts. The early exchanges were nervous and disjoined. The Calne team, only introduced to each other 45 minutes prior to kick off took a short while to a acquaint themselves with each other and their positions.

Andy Horman, vice captain for the day, made his debut and had a wonderful game at hooker. Jay Wilson caused all sorts of problems for Benger in the centre with Ben Grey. Dave Lucus, one of the junior section coaches, had a stormer on the open side and was a close contender for man of the match.Big Danny Hammond made is return to Calne's colours since retiring from 1st XV rugby over a year ago. 18 year old Andy Bell, son of club stalwart Rob, had a fantastic game at scrum half, whilst his father got on the score sheet with a late try to cap a great day for the family. And finally, Lee Powell held his own against a much larger, and more experienced, opponent in his first start a tight head.

Once the game settled, a short deadlock was broken as the Calne pack won a ruck ball, moved it wide for Charlwood, playing on the wing, to score neatly in the corner. The touch line conversion was scored by Wilson. Calne, uplifted, continued with the pressure and territory but were kept at bay for a long period by Bengers' steadfast defence. Benger's pack piled on the pressure at the end of the half and started to regain territory. This time it was Calne's turn to defend. Solid tackling created a turn over 5 meters inside the Benger half. New recruit Vince Treen got his hands on the ball and set off on a barn storming run. The winger shrugged of the first two tacklers and out paced the covering full back to score between the posts. Wilson added the conversion.

Half time came with Benger 14 nil down but whilst Calne were busy patting themselves on the back, Benger's pack mounted a phenomenal attack on their counterparts. They efforts were soon rewarded when ball from a stolen scrum was shipped out to the fly half who made the most of Calne's back line slow adjustment to the turnover.

A rejuvenated Benger continued to bring the game to Calne through their forwards and were soon rewarded again with another score. This time unconverted to bring the score back to 14-12. Moments later another scrum ball was nicked on Calne's 5m line and the ensuing drive pushed Calne over their line, unfortunately the No. 8 knocked on and Calne cleared from the next scrum.

Half way in to the 2nd half Benger started to tire and Calne's backs started to see more ball. Mike Smith, playing at full back, carried well, broke a number of tackles and gained good positions for his team mates. Vince Treen picked up a 2nd try from another impressive run. This time he cut in field and took a more direct root to the posts. Wilson picked up the extra two points.

Benger remained committed to the tackle but were under a lot of pressure in the dying stages. Charlwood was first to Ben Greys kick through to score but Wilson missed his first kick of the afternoon. Veteran Rob Bell finished off, 2nd Row, Tom Davis' impressive break, Wilson's conversion finished the scoring.

The man of the match was awarded to Hooker, Andy Horman, for his ability and eagerness in the loose and his committed tackling. Charlwood also has his eye on New comer Vince Treen for the first XV based on his impressive running.

With the end of the season drawing near there is renewed optimism that a regular 2nd XV can be fielded next season. The club would still like to hear from any veterans in the area who like to help develop these youngsters careers, and likewise we would also like to attract anyone else who would be interested in fun, social rugby. Please call Matt Snell 01249 812194 or email play4calne@btopenworld.com.

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