Whilst Calne’s first fifteen emphatically swept aside Wootton Bassett II’s, Calne’s own second fifteen were again triumphant over a division III team, Westbury II’s. Calne II’s almost certain entry into division III next season looks to be an ideal level for the new team with Calne travelling to beat their hosts 17-10, in a toughly contested encounter.

Westbury started strongly. The hosts look more organised up front and played a tight pick and drive game. Within minutes Calne were pegged back on their try line as Westbury’s tight five took it in turns to crash in to Calne’s last gasp defence. Calne’s line held tight thanks to some great tackling from Mark Edwards, Julian Brand, Paul Grundy and Jason Wood. Westbury’s pressure did yield a reward, when Calne were penalised for coming off their feet in a ruck, in their over eagerness to relieve the continuous pressure.

Following some encouraging but stern words from captain Jason Dolman, Calne woke up. They chased the restart harder and turned over possession, fed quick ball to the backs who sliced though Westbury’s defence. Fly half Woods supplied Alan Henley, who broke the first line of defence and in turn sent the ball to Vince Treen, who was selected at out side center as opposed to wing. Treen cut a beautiful line and had the strength to carry the last man over with him.

The home team struck back in classic Westbury fashion. Their front five made a series of devastating runs off the side of rucks and mauls and left Calne flailing in defence. They powered their way to the line and the conversion was duly added for a 10-5 lead.

After a short period of stalemate, the smallest player on the pitch, if not in the county or region scored next, to tie the scores just before half time. Robert Tuffery collected his first ever senior try after another break by Henley. The inside center crossed the line but was held up, but managed to unload the ball to Tuffery, on the wing, for a very rewarding try.

Half time 10-10.

The second half kicked off with Calne looking the stronger of the two teams. Youngsters Shane McCafferty and Tom Morten put in a devastating 20 minute spell. The two giants battered and bashed their more experience opponents, by making some excellent runs of some attacking mauls. After one such run McCafferty was only just haulded down, but he managed to lay the ball back for scrum half, Mike Smith, who fed Wood, who in turn fed Henley again. This time the former first team winger was not denied as he managed to ground the ball despite the number of bodies around him, for the winning score.

Debutants Craig Wood and Adam Walsh, both started to get some ball and, as a result, impressed the second team management. Wood was unlucky not to score after just being caught by the covering defence just two meters from the line.

Westbury finished with a late rally. A tiring Calne started to concede penalties, but a just as tired Westbury could not fully capitalise despite a monumental amount of possession and territory. Calne clung on to every Westbury player who tried to cross the whitewash, and eventually for the well earned victory.

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