Calne 22, Westbury 3

JON Parker has called for continuity at Leighton Green after his much-changed side were taught a lesson in finishing by clinical Calne.

Saturday's line-up saw eight changes from the team which beat Cricklade last week, taking the total number of players fielded by Westbury this season to 39 in just seven games.

A combination of injuries, holidays and weddings left the White Horse men with plenty of fences to clear at the Recreation Ground.

The visitors were in the running until the half-time interval, after which Calne cantered to the finish line.

"This was not a good result for us because I thought Calne were very beatable," said a despondent Parker.

"When you make so many changes it's hard to work to a game plan. The lads who came in are all very capable players but it takes time to gel with the team.

"This is not a situation we want to be in. With it being half-term a few of the lads were on holiday with their families.

"But we're trying to build up a strong squad that's going to do some damage in this league - to do that we need everyone available."

Westbury enjoyed the lion's share of possession in the first half but a Chris Vaughan penalty was all they had to show for their efforts at the break.

Outside centre Neil Young scored an unconverted try for Calne to give the home side a 5-3 lead at half-time.

Playing downhill in the second half, Calne began brightly and Young soon added his second score of the afternoon. Fly half Matt Fallon kicked the extras.

Calne scored again almost straight from the kick-off when left wing Seth Shardlow rounded off a flowing team move to dive over in the corner.

Fallon, playing only his second game for the hosts, slotted home the conversion from wide on the left touchline.

A Fallon penalty midway through the half proved to be the final score of the match as Calne ran out comfortable 22-3 winners.

Captain Alan Wicks was delighted with the result.

He said: "I think we wanted it a bit more than Westbury in the second half.

"We've lost quite a few matches to them in the past so to beat them on Saturday shows that the gap between the sides is closing.

"At the start of the season I would have settled for a mid-table finish because this was supposed to be a year of rebuilding. But after the start we have made I will be looking for us to maintain it.

"We've got a tough match against Corsham at the weekend. I can't remember ever beating them in the 13 years I've been here.

"Most people I have spoken to are making them favourites to win the league so it will be good to see how far we've come."

Calne will be cheering for Westbury tomorrow when the White Horse men entertain league leaders Minety at Leighton Green.