A great game of physical, but very well tempered, rugby was enjoyed by the good sized crowd at Pewsey Vale. Calne controlled the game and had Pewsey pinned in their own half throughout. However, Calne spurned a number of chances and a keen Pewsey rear guard action kept the score line to a respectable 7-31 to Calne.

Captain Alan Wicks had the first opportunity of the day. Calne created a promising scrum 5 meters form the Pewsey line and attempted the push over score, unfortunately Wicks mistimed his dive on the ball. Minutes later, however, Calne were able to open the scoring with a penalty from hooker, Mike Palfrey.

As the game developed it was clear to see that Pewsey's defence on first phases ball was excellent, although gaps in 3/4th phases ball were exploitable. In one such instance, fullback Neil Young collected a poor clearance kick and stepped his way into Pewsey's half. He released, blindside flank, Daron Thomas who took a more direct route making short work of the 30 meter run in front of him. Palfrey stepped up and added the conversion.

Despite the ferocity of both sides tackling the game never even looked like boiling over. To the credit of all the players involved, both sides put history behind them and committed to playing some fine rugby. Despite performing very well in the lineout, the scrums were to be Pewsey's undoing. Calne's front row of Smart, Palfrey and Dyer had a good day at the office stealing a few balls as wells keeping the Pewsey set piece in retreat.

Half time 0-17

Now playing down the slope, Calne were able to unleash centres Guthrie Holiday and Graeme Neale. Making his return to action after a long injury lay off inside centre, Neale proved he could still be a handful. Looking fit and strong he caused the Pewsy back line all sorts of problems with his direct running. However, it was his centre partner Holiday who was next on the score sheet. Young again collected a clearance kick and wasted no time in turning defence into attack. He set Holiday up, who shrugged off a number of defenders for the score. Palfery added the extras

Some fine defence work, by Pewsey, and some poor decision making by Calne kept the score line stagnant for a while. Palfrey, twice, Young and wings Vince Treen and John Martin all came close to scoring for Calne. But it was scrumhalf, Mike Charlwood, who finally crossed the whitewash from a quick tap penalty. With Palfrey finishing Calne's scoring for the day.

Pewsey continued to battle, but found it hard to leave their half. They did get some reward. Calne were penalised twice in a row. The first penalty was kicked to touch, the line out was won and the second infringement was seized upon by, Pewsey 2nd row, Dave Williamson. He exploited some poor tackling with his quick tap penalty and crashed over for the converted score.

Calne's first team take a rest for a week as the recently reformed 2nd team make a visit to their counterparts at Bath Old Edwardians. All second team players are urged to make their availability known to the club as soon as possible as starting places will be offered on a first come first served basis. This is also a good opportunity for any locals to put their boots on and have a run out and start or restart their involvement in rugby. 07816 686764 or play4calne@btopenworld.com