Calne RFC

Sat 6 Sep 2025

Calne

19 - 23

(HT 0-0)

Westbury

Calne

Westbury

Standfirst: Calne RFC fought back from a tough start but fell just short, losing 19–23 to Westbury in front of a strong home crowd at The Rec.

Report: Calne RFC’s 2025/26 league campaign began with a thriller at The Rec as they hosted local rivals Westbury. Playing into strong winds in the first half, the visitors struck early, crossing in the 5th minute before extending their lead with a penalty midway through the half. Calne, though, showed resilience, and Adam “Welchy” Welch — sponsored by M.T Plastering — powered over on 24 minutes to put the hosts on the board, leaving the half-time score a tight 5–8.

The second half opened with Westbury in the ascendancy. Tries in the 42nd and 47th minutes stretched their advantage to 5–20, leaving Calne with a mountain to climb. Refusing to fold, the hosts hit back on 63 minutes when Jay Jennings, backed by CrossFit Calne – The Pack, finished well, converted by Chris Addinell (sponsored by the VPs of Calne Rugby) to narrow the gap. Another Westbury penalty in the closing stages looked to have sealed the result, but Calne rallied once more. With the crowd roaring them on, Peter Brownlie — proudly sponsored by H&M Contracts — crashed over in the 79th minute, Addinell’s conversion making it 19–23.

Despite falling just short, Calne can take heart from their fightback and the spirit shown in chasing the game until the final whistle. With tries from Welch, Jennings and Brownlie, and Addinell adding two vital conversions, the squad showed they have the firepower to compete this season. The blustery conditions played their part, making kicking and handling tricky for both sides, but Calne’s determination kept the contest alive throughout.

Lowerfields Farm’s Man of the Match was awarded to Tom Clark, sponsored by KGH Electrical, who walked away with a well-earned pack of sausages after an industrious display.

Next Up: Bradford-on-Avon vs Calne, Saturday 13 September, 3pm.