CALNE chairman Chris Austin saluted the resilience of his club as they concluded their Dorset & Wilts Two North commitments for the season by securing second place behind champions Pewsey Vale.

A 26-7 triumph at Sutton Benger allowed Calne to leapfrog Avonvale, who lost out 8-7 at Westbury on the final day of the season.

Austin said: “This time last season we had lost our 2nd XV, were relegated and had players leaving the club and we had trouble raising one team.

"We needed a season like this to get things back on track and I truly believe the best is yet to come.

"We will not break for summer, we will train every Thursday.''

Calne started well and quickly established control at the breakdown and set pieces, Rich Kearney in his last game for the club, delivering a fine performance.

Benger defended valiantly but a break from Marcus Turner saw the ball come to Rhys Taylor to dance his way through tackles to score.

As Calne’s Rhys Taylor managed the game well, the front row of captain Tom Morten, Dave Evans and Pete Brownlie had the upper hand.

The next try came from a break from winger Jay Watkin as he sprinted away from tackles to get the ball to Adam Young, who crashed over under the posts.

Benger continued to push and rumbled over the line to score a converted try.

But as James Williams bashed holes in the defence and Liam Kearney, Adam Young and Rhys Taylor continued to link well, Calne’s next try came from a powerful driving maul which resulted in captain Morten peeling off the back to score.

Chasing the bonus point, the ball ended up in the hands of player-coach Alan Wicks 10 metres out and he managed to cross the line..

The club will hold free summer fitness sessions open to men and women of any age/ability.

See the club's Facebook page or email calnerugby@hotmail.com.