Calne RFC

Saturday marked Calne RFC's first game after a four-week hiatus, and what a game it was! With VP's Day in full swing and the boys eager to return to the field, Calne secured a victory over perennial rivals Swindon Supermarine with a 33-7 point lead.

Despite a slightly sluggish start from Calne, allowing Supermarine ample ground into our twenty-two within the first five minutes, where they secured a penalty option and a disallowed try, Calne remained focused on continuing our winning streak. Flanker Tom Frankham's slick jackal in the breakdown led to Blair Collins-Thomas feeding the ball to winger Max Henshall for his first try of the season in the fourteenth minute. Despite a missed conversion, Collins-Thomas added a penalty kick in the twentieth minute, bringing Calne's lead to 8-0.

Similar to the SCOB match four weeks ago, Calne's pack dominated early on, with a successful scrum in the twenty-third minute resulting in a try from full-back Chris Addinell, extending Calne's lead to thirteen points. A successful conversion by Collins-Thomas rounded the lead to fifteen points, but Supermarine made a skilled breakthrough and conversion in the twenty-seventh minute, narrowing the gap to 15-7 by halftime.

In the second half, Calne's pack excelled again, with hooker Dave Evans scoring another try from a dominant line-out catch and drive in the fiftieth minute. Five successful turnover scrums and 100% success in the line-outs over the course of the game showcased the skill and strength of our forwards.

Despite a missed conversion by Collins-Thomas, his fifty-yard break in the sixty-second minute and a successful penalty extended Calne's lead to 23-7. A rolling maul in the opposition’s 22 saw No. 5 Shane McCafferty secure another try in the seventieth minute, bringing the score to 28-7. With the last play signaled by the referee, Captain Peter Brownlie opted for another lineout instead of kicking the ball out. This decision proved correct as Calne's pack, supported by backs Chris Addinell and Ged Sykes, advanced the ball twelve meters. This enabled Dave Evans to score his second and Calne's fifth and final try of the match, confirming a 33-7 triumph over Supermarine. Blair Collins-Thomas and Chris McAlonan jointly earned the title of Man of the Match for their exceptional skill and determination.

With five tries secured, Calne earned another RFU bonus point, securing a resounding victory for our VPs and supporters. We extend our thanks to Swindon Supermarine for making their way to the Rec to meet us; it was a great game enjoyed by all.

Special thanks to our VPs for their invaluable support and our sponsors Bevirs Law, TT Fitness Hub, and The Pewsham, who provided a delicious meal for Calne RFC and Supermarine players after the game.

Calne returns to the Rec this Saturday (18th) to take on Royal Wootton Bassett in our first cup game of the season.