Calne RFC

Sat 13 Sep 2025

Bradford-on-Avon

79 - 17

(HT 0-0)

Calne

Bradford-on-Avon

Calne

Despite tries from Brownlie, Gresswell and Crane, Calne were second best against a sharp Bradford-on-Avon side who ran out 77–17 winners.

Calne RFC made the short trip to Bradford-on-Avon for their second league outing of the season, but despite patches of resilience, they were undone by a ruthless home performance.

Bradford flew out of the blocks, scoring in the 3rd and 9th minutes to seize an early 10–0 lead. With the wind at their backs, the hosts piled on further pressure, crossing again on 15 minutes before extending their advantage with a penalty and two more tries in quick succession. At 34–0 down, Calne needed a foothold and it came just before half-time. Skipper Peter Brownlie — sponsored by H&M Contracts — powered over from close range to get Calne on the board. The conversion drifted wide, leaving the interval score at 34–5.

The second half began in similar fashion as Bradford struck twice more inside ten minutes. Yet Calne refused to fold. On 55 minutes, Marc Gresswell — sponsored by Wiltshire Hose — finished off a well-worked phase, with Chris Addinell (sponsored by the VPs of Calne Rugby) adding the extras. Just after the hour, Gary Crane — proudly backed by Country Kidz — capped a lively display with a try in the corner, narrowing the gap to 51–17.

Bradford, however, were relentless, adding three more tries in the closing stages to underline their dominance. The final whistle saw Calne on the wrong end of a 77–17 scoreline.

While the scoreboard told a tough story, there were positives. Brownlie led from the front with his trademark physicality, Gresswell marked his return with a try, and Crane’s energy was rewarded with a deserved score. Crane’s performance also earned him the Lowerfields Farm Man of the Match award, complete with a pack of sausages.

With lessons to learn and improvements to make, Calne will be determined to bounce back when they return home next weekend.