Calne’s newly re-formed 2nd XV made a fantastic start to their first season in three years. The first 30 minutes of play was dominated by the new side, which took a complete 15 man game to a shell shocked Corsham side. A Try a piece from Dave Williamson and Danny Hammond plus a conversion from Chris Edes gave Calne a surprising 12 nil lead.

Williamson’s try was the result of a fine solo run. Corsham could not get to grips with the big man all day and his try gave Calne the confidence boost they needed. A lineout was the source of the second try an untried rolling maul bamboozled the Corsham pack and the two big men, Hammond and Williamson, crashed over the line.

However the Calne fairytale was short lived as Corsham’s giants soon woke up and brought Calne crashing down to earth. Under the leadership of, ex Calne player, Brian Slade Corsham started to control the set piece and feed their impressive centre partnership. Corsham scored at the end of the first half. After a concerted period of play and a set piece scrum provided Corsham with the space to break through.

Calne team consisted of a concoction of wily old veterans such as Big Danny Hammond, Rob Bell and the irrepressible Alan O’Daly. The team also contained two players playing there first ever game of rugby. Chris Edes, an all round sportsman, and Tim Hector both had fine games.

The second half got under way and Corsham, now playing with the slope and the wind, played a much more controlled percentage and territorial game. They were soon on the scoreboard with their no 8, who broke off from a maul to score under the posts. Calne were now feeling the strain. With no set game plan, a rather limited supply of set piece ball and some weary old legs it was a great boost that Calne were next to pick up some points. A classy break by flying wing Mike Burden took Calne into the danger zone where he unselfishly made an inside pass to Williamson in support. Corsham failed to stop the big guy again and Calne were suddenly back in the game.

With the score at 17-12, in Calne’s favour, it was Corsham’s experience, from their status as a merit table league team, that was to show through as they struck again. Slade ordered his team into Calne 22, where the no 8 picked up from the base of the scrum to score leaving a tricky conversion. Despite the pressure and the angle the extra points were taken. Calne deservedly worked their way back into the Corsham half and won a penalty and a chance to retake the lead. Edes stepped up to the mark but the attempt slipped slightly wide of the left upright.

Corsham were quick off the mark with restart. Edes, still retreating from the penalty attempt, and unaware of the ruling, illegally took out a player without the ball, a penalty try was justly awarded and converted. Leaving the score 17-26.

Despite the final score Calne took solace in the fact that the opponents were well practiced and had far more game time together. Calne were not ever out of the game or out classed. Most of all the players were wholly aware of the significance of the day. With the club putting two teams, both with substitutes, on the same day the real victory was for the club as a whole and all the hard work it has put in during the last 20 months.

Daniel Hammond (1 try), Andy Horman, Mark Edwards (capt), Dave Williamson (2 trys) Tim Hector, Elliot Soaper, Wag, Alan O’Daly, Steve Jacket (motm), Rob Bell, Vince Treen, Jeff Price, Mike Burden (Andy Bell 50 mins), Chris Edes (1 con), Jon Martin.