Calne RFC

Sat 22 Nov 2025

Pewsey Vale

22 - 0

(HT 5-0)

Calne

Pewsey Vale

Calne

Calne travelled to Pewsey Vale on Saturday for a hard, physical contest that was ultimately decided by a series of breakaway tries from the home side. The final scoreline of 22–0 didn’t reflect the balance of effort or the long stretches of disciplined, determined defence Calne produced throughout the afternoon.

The opening exchanges were evenly matched, with strong carries from 1. Shane McCafferty (sponsored by Charles Faye Sales & Lettings) and 5. Harry Humphreys (available to sponsor), while captain 3. Peter Brownlie (sponsored by H&M Contracts) set the tone in contact. Pewsey threatened mostly on turnover ball, and it was from one such moment that they struck first, breaking away in the 29th minute to score and take a 5–0 lead.

Calne rotated early to keep the tempo high, with 9. Kev Herbert (sponsored by TT Fitness) making way for Max Henshall (replacement, sponsored by Country Kidz) after 12 minutes, before Henshall was replaced by Jay Jennings (replacement, sponsored by CrossFit Calne – The Pack) at 18 minutes. The fresh legs tightened the defensive line, and Calne held out well for the remainder of the half, twice pushing Pewsey back into their own 22 but unable to find the breakthrough their pressure warranted.

The score remained 5–0 at the interval, and the pattern continued into the second half: competitive carries, committed tackling, and long spells of even contest. But Pewsey once again found space on the counter and extended their lead with a try in the 60th minute, making it 10–0.

Calne continued to cycle energy into the backline with Jennings coming off for Henshall again in the 70th minute, but Pewsey capitalised on another loose moment in the 72nd minute, breaking away to move 15–0 ahead. As the try was scored, 7. Dan Tyler (available to sponsor) was replaced by Mark Gresswell (replacement, sponsored by Wiltshire Hose), and 11. Gary Crane (sponsored by Country Kidz) made way for Terry Blake (replacement, sponsored by Cross Country Tyres Ltd) to keep composure and intensity in the backs. Pewsey found another opportunity in the 78th minute, adding their fourth try to reach 20–0 before converting for a final score of 22–0.

One final change saw 4. Rory Cranstoun (sponsored by His Mummy) replaced by Dan Oakford (replacement, available to sponsor) in the 75th minute, and Calne finished the match with renewed energy, pushing Pewsey deep into their own half and stringing together some of their best attacking phases of the game. Although the points didn’t come, the determination, effort, and togetherness of the side were evident throughout, especially in their repeated defensive stands and willingness to keep playing until the final whistle.

The Lowerfields Farm Man of the Match Award went to 14. Ali Colgrave (available to sponsor) for an outstanding all-round performance, particularly in defence and his relentless work off the ball. A special mention also goes to 7. Dan Tyler, who impressed hugely on his debut and came a very close second in the voting.

Calne would also like to extend their thanks to Pewsey Vale for the game and their warm hospitality.