Calne Rugby, sponsored by Bevirs Law welcomed Alfreds Nomads RFC to the Rec knowing that they would need to secure a bonus point win to maintain their position at the top of Dorset & Wilts 2 North.

The first half was a slightly scrappy affair as both teams looked to establish early control. Nomads looked to use the pace in their backs to gain territorial advance but were halted by a very determined Calne defence. Both sides competed well at the break down and it was the visitors who took an early lead after their centre broke through to score a converted try.

From the restart Calne put the pressure on with Props Pete Brownlie and Shane McCafferty making good ground and setting the platform for the home side to launch a wave of attacks. Hooker Dave Evans tormented the Nomads defence and Calne didn’t have to wait long to level the score with a converted try when after a quickly taken penalty, Chris McAlonan burst through and offloaded to captain Tom Morten to score.

In the scrums, Calne were dominant and won a lot of ball against the head. Nomads continued to attack with enthusiasm and Mark Webber (fullback), Nick Titcombe and Keith Bradley put in some fine tackles. Calne then kept the ball tight, and Brownlie, Evans, Morten and McCafferty worked well together to rumble towards the Nomads try line. Prop Shane McCafferty muscled his way over for his first of two tries.

Calne were now in the groove as they looked to increase their lead further. Chris McAlonan unleashed Adam Young who cut a great line before beating three players to score.

McAlonan then got on the score sheet as he evaded a couple of tackles before diving over to put the home side well and truly in the drivers seat.

Nomads then launched their own fightback as they mounted an attack to test Calne’s defensive line. But again their attack was repelled by some solid tackles by Chris Addinell, McAlonan and Webber.

After McCafferty went over for his second try, it was the ever-impressive Brian Hopkins who slipped off the side of a ruck to score.

With Calne continuing to dominate in forwards, it was fitting that the final try came from hooker Dave Evans who scored from a catch and drive from the lineout. The final whistle went with Calne Rugby securing a 45-7 win to stay top of the league.