Alan Henley’s first half try was the deciding score in this tense but open derby. Henleys’ score was followed by three immaculate penalty attempts from, Captain Andrew Donegan and a mighty fight back, from Westbury, earning them two tries.

First team call ups were handed to Mike Robison, Max Whiston, Mark Edwards and try scorer Henley. Young 2nd row Tim Hector was also called up as cover on the bench and contributed with ten minutes on the left wing.

The first half started with Calne playing up the slight slope but with the wind in their advantage. Fly half, Paul Jenkins, played for territory and kept Calne in the Westbury half. On the blustery, but hot, day both hookers struggled to keep the ball straight, resulting in a hard day’s work for both front rows. As with the corresponding fixture earlier in the season Calne lost their first scrum against the head. And generally looked in recoil for the first ten minutes, whist all the new players became familiar with their new surroundings.

Westbury failed to capitalise during this period and Calne made them pay. Jenkins jinked his way in to the danger zone after some outstanding rucking from the pack put Westbury on the back foot. Jenkins zipped a pass along the line, who were advancing at pace. The ball found full back Lewis Baker who drew in the defence and unleashed Henley, who hit the gas and headed for the corner. The paceman still had a lot of work to do. The lean winger saw that the bulkier covering defence had a chance of bundling him out. Remembering a part of coach, John Crozier’s, game plan he stepped inside and attacked the weaker shoulder and carried two defenders over the line with him for the score.

Now in the ascendancy and looking like a team, rather than a group of gifted individuals, Calne added to their score with a Donegan penalty moments later. Despite being out sized upfront, Calne’s mobile and ultimately more determined pack dominated phases of the game. Each man punched above his weight and in this sapping climate their conditioning and fitness was to be tested to the limit. Calne started to hold their own in the set piece scrums allowing Donegan to snipe at his counterpart earning some restbite and some more possession.

Donegan added a second penalty, making the surprise scoreline 11-0 to the visitors. However, with 10 minutes of the first half remaining Westbury struck back in fine style and showed a flash of their true class. The larger pack bullied their way in to the danger zone and set up camp. Westbury’s scrum half made a break and the back row was ready in support and, after some tidy interchanges, the score was neatly taken.

With the game now in the balance it would have been easy for Calne to crumble under the pressure. But with this game being targeted as the last opportunity to beat one of the top teams, Calne found the extra resolve they needed. From the restart, the pack battled for possession like men possessed. Their pressure created another penalty opportunity for Donegan, who wasted little time readjusting the scoreline.

Half Time 5-14

The second half was a different story however. With everyone realising the next score as crucial. Westbury took the bull by the horns and set in to Calne with everything they had and burrowed their way into Calne territory. Calne to their credit frustrated Westbury and managed to keep them at arms reach. Until, that is, they released their outside centre. The youngster took a sublime line and split the steadfast defence wide open with his pace. Finishing the move himself he brought Westbury with in a try for the lead.

However, the effect on Calne was just as motivating. The front row of Mat Arnold, Mick Dyer and Edwards, just got stronger. The back row of Alan Wicks, Damon Murphy and Whiston just tackled harder and the 2nd row of Neil Wakins and Paul Hulbert just carried the ball further. The intensity of the game was starting to take its toll, as the stoppages started to mount. Wicks, Murphy, Waktins and Arnold showed a reckless disregard for their bodies. The latter having to leave the field after another all or nothing tackle. His spot, in the front row, was taken by winger Mike Palfrey and Hector joined the field.

Calne ground Westbury’s almighty attempt, to take the victory away from their visitors, down and in the later stages of the game mounted some fine counter attacking play. The rock solid centre, Neil Young, and the dynamic Murphy nearly combined twice to add to Calne’s score in the dying stages.

The game was well into its 88th minute when the referee blew his whistle for the final time, sealing Calne’s best team performance of the season, much to the pleasure of, the borrowed 2nd team captain, Hulbert. Who was playing his last away game for the club, after many years of outstanding service.