Rugby

Salisbury 3 Oxford Harlequins 24

A CERTAIN Tony Murley would certainly have approved of this game. Uncompromisingly hard, but scrupulously fair, writes Stuart McArdell.

Both teams combined afterwards for an uproarious night of celebration in the Salisbury club's Mutley's Bar, named after the great man.

For league leaders Oxford Harle-quins had been given the fight and the fright of the season and were somewhat flattered by the final 24-3 scoreline after being held to nil - nil at half time by a committed Salisbury side who had played them to a virtual standstill and won plaudits from both sets of fans for their skills and commitment.

From the first minute, Salisbury's aggressive defence had Oxford going backwards in possession and when Dave Bell broke clear, a try looked certain. However, he was stopped just short of the line.

Within moments, Tim Shipsey made one of his trade mark surges on the right wing and Marcus Olsen's huge cross pitch pass was just too strong for Pete Upton to hold and the second scoring chance was gone.

But as quick as they were in attack, Salisbury were disciplined and resolute in defence and Oxford's attacks rarely threatened the home line.

At half time, the scoreline didn't tell the story. For in truth, Oxford hadn't been in the game.

Determined not to repeat the mistakes of previous weeks, Salisbury attacked hard from the restart and winger Martin Westall's run from his own 22, deep into Oxford's half, was indeed spectacular rugby.

But then luck deserted Salisbury.

With Tom Buckingham off the field receiving treatment, Oxford used the numerical advantage to capitalise on the overlap and score.

Salisbury instantly responded with a sustained attack that rattled Oxford into a series of penalties until Bell was close enough to kick the three points.

But in the final ten minutes, with Salisbury tiring and injuries taking their toll of bodies, Oxford were at last able to play a structured game and three tries, from a pushover scrum, a line out peal and a clever chip and catch gave a false slant on the game.

Salisbury's coach, Ken Lawson put the team's performance down to increased confidence.

"These young players are realising that they can take on and beat their older and more experienced opposite numbers. We need to build this self-belief into the confidence that makes players score for certain when they are ten yards from the line."

Lawson, whose side visit Wim-borne on Sunday for their Dorset & Wilts Cup quarter-final tie, added: "I thought our three-quarters played creative and inventive rugby today and the back three of Upton, Ship-sey and Westall were outstanding.

"On this performance we have nothing to fear from Wimborne on Sunday in the cup."