Proceedings began on Saturday, November 7, with a flawlessly observed period of silence for Remembrance weekend, accompanied by Army bugler Rifleman Matakibau playing The Last Post.

The afternoon didn’t start well for the hosts. Salisbury were reduced to 14 after only 6 minutes by a yellow card for a deliberate knock-on. Combe Down capitalised three minutes later with a penalty to put them 3 - 0 up.

Salisbury then began to settle and establish some continuity. They had a sharper attacking edge and No. 8 Bradley Emanuel frequently put them on the front foot. Second-row George Greasley scored after 16 minutes, having finished a break started by Roy Waters from a quick tap penalty. Waters added the conversion to give the home side the lead.

The hosts then continued to build momentum. Scrumhalf Jacques Kinnison crossed in the 23rd minute to extend the advantage after a Salisbury attacking lineout. Combe Down did remain competitive and prevented Salisbury from establishing complete control, but shortly before the break winger Kane Marafono gathered a clever cross-kick and coasted past a scrambling defence to send the hosts into half-time with a healthy 17-3 lead.

A Combe Down recovery appeared unlikely immediately after the restart when Kinnison grabbed his second try as Salisbury battered their way through several phases. Waters converted to establish a 24-3 lead and secure the four-try bonus point on 44 minutes.

Winger Kane Marafano runs in for Salisbury's second try (Image: John Palmer)

However, the visitors responded positively during their strongest spell of the match. Salisbury struggled for possession and territory and were hampered by two more yellow cards. The visitors took advantage and crossed in the 53rd minute for a converted try. They scored a second 13 minutes later. A reward for dogged persistence and spirit in grafting through several phases. With the score at 24 - 15, the hosts were forced onto the back foot.

The decisive moment came in the 69th minute. Salisbury had recovered some shape in attack and Waters cut through for Kinnison to complete a hat-trick. Waters' conversion restored Salisbury's two-score cushion at 31 - 15. The hosts sensed their opportunity and accelerated away from tiring opponents. Harvey Brown crossed on 73 minutes, and four minutes later Marafono claimed his second try of the afternoon. Waters converted both as Salisbury stretched the lead.

There was, however, still time for a fourth yellow card for Salisbury, adding to what had been an untidy performance. Fly-half Leone Naucukidi had the final word when he seized a loose ball on the halfway line, sprinted free of a flagging defence to score under the posts.

Waters added his sixth conversion to complete a 52 - 15 victory that was probably harder earned than the final scoreline suggests. Salisbury remain second on points difference behind Devizes in Counties 1 Tribute Ale Southern South.