Calne prepared for their historic Powergen Cup clash at Honiton, with a confidence boosting demolition of Pewsey Vale. Calne’s three quarters were clinical and uncompromising in their finishing and were supplied an endless flow of good, clean ball from their pack. Who looked fitter, more composed and more determined than their opponents, despite being outsized again.

The flying South-African, Guthrie Holliday opened the scoring after 10 minutes. Despite having an overlap, last season’s top try scorer, backed himself and cut though to the line. Holliday’s try exposed a big weakness on Pewsey’s left flank and Calne cruelly continued to exploit it. Right wing, James Gladding, out paced both winger and full back, shortly afterwards, both would be tacklers could not even get close to the club’s fastest winger

Pewsey, rallied and tried to respond, their hard efforts earned them a penalty, from Calne’s over eager rucking. The three points were duly taken and the margin was reduced to 7 points. But Calne immediately responded. Fly half, Lewis Baker, smashed his way through to place the ball under the posts.

Holliday’s center partner, Neil Young, was next on the board, to claim the day’s best team try. The pack stole Pewsey’s put in at a scrum and quick ball from Donegan, unleashed the three quarters. A beautify timed and executed move left Mike Smith, on the left wing, one on one with his man. Smith chipped and collected, but was caught by the covering fullback. Unselfishly Smith kept the ball alive and offloaded to Young, travelling at full tilt, the Scotsman completed his brace.

With Calne looking comfortable at half time coach, John Crozier, had the luxury to rest prop Ian Smart and winger Mike Smith, for next weeks crunch encounter. David Holmes and Vince Treen entered the field of play in their place.

Pewsey quickly reminded Calne to take them seriously, with a sustained attack on Calne’s 5 meter line. Calne kept their composure and ground their way back in to enemy territory. Holliday collected his second as did Baker and the pattern of the backs cashing in on the pack’s hard work continued. With three players on braces and an ever increasing supply of ball to work with, the odds of a hatrick were shortening with every phase. Young looked ready to cash in after a sublime break and turn of pace, but he was cut down inches from the line. Fortunately Holliday was in support and Young fed the youngster his hatrick pass.

With the game rapidly drawing to and end, the final word was fittingly left to the pack. They worked their way to the Pewsey 10 meter line and earned a penalty. Openside, Damon Murphy, was quick to react to Donegan’s quick tap and carried the ball all the way to the line. The game ended with Donegan’s touch line conversion bouncing off the upright, then the cross bar before going over.

Final Score. Pewsey Vale 3 Calne 55

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