Calne II’s recorded a historic victory, beating a Dorset & Wilts Division III side for the first time. Pre-game Devizes nearly ended all of Calne’s hopes for a favourable result, as the home team announced the inclusion of six regular 2xv players.

Despite this bombshell, Calne set about business by setting the early pace and even sneaked the edge over their, more experienced, opponents up front. Some great power play from the pack kept Devizes well and truly pinned in their 22 for the best part of the first half. Only a stunningly resilient defence kept the score line in sway.

Calne’s find of the season, inside center James Lynch, smashed his way though five tackles to score his first try for the club in only his second game. The Welsh rugby league convert had a fine game all round, particularly in defence.

From the restart, Calne were able to pin Devizes back again, but again the defence held firm and a lack of attacking ideas and creativity held Calne back. That was until Lynch decided to take matters into his own hands and go over for his second, again profiting from a destructive run in to the heart of the Devizes back line.

In a rare excursion into Calne’s half Devizes showed their ruthlessness and converted a try, following a deceptive break by the home team’s scrum half. With the score line now very tight at 7-10, to Calne, the next score was of great importance. Calne finished the first half with another rally in to Devizes 22. This time they added some width to their game and left wing, Vince Treen, rounded his man with ease and powered toward the line for the score.

Half time Devizes II/III 7, Calne II 15.

Calne introduced a wave of new faces, the result of the ongoing and successful recruitment activities, to the game. This affected the flow of the game, as did injuries to No. 8, Ewan Kinghorn and flanker, Simon Lathbury. Devizes seized the opportunity to impose themselves on the game and were duly rewarded with an unconverted try.

Calne then showed a barrel full of composure and determination to hold off wave after wave of the home teams attack. The visitors changed their game plan to be more counter attack orientated, whilst not compromising defensive responsibilities. A near length of the field effort from, outside center and a very promising prospect, Alan Milton relived some of the pressure.

Calne managed to cross the Devizes line twice more in the second half, but were on each occasion a judged to be held up. The game ended with Devizes, showing their character, on promising attack.

Next week promises another tough game for the 2nds as they face one of D&W III promotion favourites Sutton Benger at 12.30 at the Recreation Ground in Calne.

Final Score. Devizes III12 Calne II 15

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