Going into this game Calne (2XV) Crusaders (sponsored by the Spice of Bengal) were one point clear of their title rivals Wootton Bassett 3XV, and this game would decide the winners of the Dorset & Wilts 3 (North) league. With both teams already guaranteed promotion the game was all about bragging rights and pride.

The game started in poor playing conditions and the visitors (W.Bassett) were quick to use the strong wind to their advantage by gaining good territory and force two early penalties from which the forwards crashed over the line to open the scoring.

With Calne's pack under pressure in the scrums it was the backs that utilised the ball out wide to set up Tom Blomfield for Calne's first try of the afternoon. From the restart a silly mistake allowed Bassett the opportunity to go for goal inside their own half. Again using the wind to their advantage the ball was slotted between the uprights to give the visitors a 5-8 lead. Both sides were fully aware that the game was going to be closely contested, so both sides opted to kick for points at every opportunity.

Bassett continued to attack the Calne line and was awarded a scrum five metres out. This time the Calne scrum buckled and the loose ball was touched down to make it 5-13 to the visitors. Calne have shown all season a great deal of heart and determination and this was again going to test the league leaders resolve.

The response was swift and decisive as the forwards performed well in the rucks and mauls to allow the backs to come into play. Flankers Ricky Humphreys and Julian Brand seemed to be at every breakdown and prop Peter Brownlie made a number of good runs to disrupt the Bassett defensive line. Calne were going through the gears and it was not long before player of the season contender Mike Charlwood crossed the line to to close the gap. With the ever consistent number 10 Tom Blomfield kicking well, Calne soon clawed themselves back into the game.

With the game in the balance at half time, the home side made a change and brought on Daron Thomas who made an immediate impact. Winger Vince Treen had another strong performance and Simon Durston replaced the reliable Ed Gillams in second row to add extra bulk to the pack. Within a few minutes of the start of the second Half Calne's number 8 James Morten made a darting run towards the Bassett line. Despite a desperate attempt to stop him, Morten crashed over the line to put Calne in the lead.

To their credit Bassett never gave up but with the scrums being evenly contested and Calne winning a majority of lineout ball, it was always going to be a struggle for the team sitting in second spot. The Calne front row of Paul Wood (hooker), Pete Brownlie (Loosehead) and vice captain Chris Austin (tighthead) put in gutsy performances and did well In both the set pieces and open play.

As the game drew to a close with the league leaders control it was Tom Porter who made the final dash for the Bassett line, after being tackled very close to the try line, a penalty was awarded to Calne and this time, with the game safe, they decided to go for one last score. In a well worked penalty move, Captain Tom Morten ran a fantastic line to open up the Bassett defence to score the try to make it 27-13 and the celebrations began.

Soon after, the final whistle sounded and Calne were crowned league champions to the delight of the home supporters. Captain Tom Morten and Vice Captain Chris Austin had the final word as they said: We have played great rugby all season and every single player deserves a lot of credit for this league title win. We have a growing squad and we would like to thank everyone for the support and the 1XV for moving their home fixture, to allow us to play this league deciding game at the Rec.