Calne RFC

Sat 8 Mar 2025

Calne

24 - 20

(HT 0-0)

Sutton Benger

Calne

Sutton Benger

MATCH REPORT: CALNE RFC vs SUTTON BENGER

📅 Saturday, March 8th | 🏟 The Recreation Ground, Calne
🏉 Final Score: Calne 24 – 20 Sutton Benger

In what was a tense and hard-fought battle, Calne RFC emerged victorious in their final home league game of the season, edging out Sutton Benger 24-20 in a dramatic finish.

The game started with Sutton Benger applying early pressure, earning a penalty in the 8th minute, which they successfully converted. Calne struggled with discipline early on, conceding another penalty in the 20th minute, allowing the visitors to extend their lead to 6-0.

Calne found their attacking rhythm in the 26th minute, with Chris Addinell (sponsored by KGH Electrical) breaking through to score the first try of the match. He then calmly slotted the conversion, putting Calne ahead 7-6. Just before halftime, Iain Tait (sponsored by His Mummy and Daddy) powered over the line for another try, though the conversion attempt was missed, leaving the halftime score at 12-6 to Calne.

The second half started in perfect fashion for Calne, with Oz crossing the try line in the 42nd minute. Chris Addinell (sponsored by KGH Electrical) once again stepped up to add the extras, extending the lead to 19-6.

Sutton Benger responded strongly, scoring a converted try in the 54th minute to bring the game back within reach at 19-13. The visitors continued to push and were rewarded again in the 64th minute, with another converted try that saw them take the lead 20-19.

In the closing minutes of injury time, with the score at 19-20, Calne were awarded a penalty out wide on the 22-meter line. Rather than risk a difficult kick at goal, they opted to go for the corner. The kick found touch perfectly, setting up a lineout just five meters from the try line. From there, Calne’s dominant pack took control, driving Benger back over their own line, allowing Chris McAlonan (sponsored by GC Pressure Washing) to crash over for a crucial try. The conversion attempt went wide, but the try was enough to secure a thrilling 24-20 victory for Calne.

Chris Addinell, who played a pivotal role in the win with his outstanding performance, including a try, multiple conversions, and strong playmaking, was deservedly named Man of the Match.

A fantastic effort from the squad, showing grit and determination to finish their home league campaign on a high! Well done, lads!