Match Day Report - 2XV
06/09/2025 - Match Day Report by Stu Mace 2XV Coach
Salts 2nd’s kicked off the 25-26 League campaign with the home fixture against Coventry’s Trinity Guild RFC 1st team.
Following a thorough pre-season and a series of excellent pre-season friendlies, the Team were rich with anticipation and confidence going into this first game. Kicking off, Salts immediately applied pressure to Trinity’s defence with phase after phase, dominating territory and possession resulting in the first try for winger Matt Bryan in the corner. Following the try (conversion missed), the subsequent kick off was well taken by George Thompson and ran straight back to the opposition to continue the excellent start and continue to apply pressure on the opposition.
Further tries came in the first half from skipper, James Mason (with Conv) and an excellent opportunist try from scrum half Cam Crawley following a superb interception from centre Rob Hartley (with conv). Cam’s try came from a penalty awarded to Trinity so Rob’s interception was huge to get Salts back in the game. The first half finished with Trinity applying multi phase pressure on Salts line but after 12 phases, Salts successfully turned over the ball, relieved pressure and cleared. This period of play epitomised Salts desire to hold the line and play as one.
Whilst the second half only produced one further try (from fullback Tom Elliman, conv missed), Salts endeavour continued and several attacking phases could, on any other day, have resulted in further tries but it certainly kept Trinity under constant pressure. Several dynamic breaks from finisher, Kieran Curran really kept Salts on the front foot as the half progressed. With 10 to go, Salts unfortunately had 2 players sent to the sin bin in quick sucession, finishing with 13 men which ultimately led to Trinity’s only score. Final result – Old Salts 24 – Trinity Guild 7
Overall, a performance showing enormous passion, pride and desire to win and sets us up for what looks like a really successful season to come.