Launceston 43 – 36 Marlborough
Saturday saw Marlborough venture to Launceston for their first clash against the Cornish All Blacks. The squad arrived early, greeted by sunny skies and a brisk breeze, ideal conditions for rugby.
The boys warmed up well, with high hopes from the loyal Marlborough supporters who travelled to cheer them on. However, within just eight minutes of the game starting, Marlborough conceded two converted tries due to penalties, handling errors, and weak defence against the home team.
Marlborough began to find their footing, gradually clawing their way back into the match. But in the 20th minute, a yellow card for a high tackle by Marlborough gave Launceston the chance to extend their lead to 17 points. The boys were in a tricky spot, but skipper James Farrell inspired a resurgence. Following a series of well executed phases, blindside flanker James Marshall sprinted over in the corner for a well-crafted try, though it remained unconverted.
Shockingly Marlborough lost focus once more, allowing Launceston to score an almost uncontested converted try. This served as a much-needed wake-up call for the boys. Connor Hull, returning from injury, seized the moment – stripping the ball on Marlborough’s 10-metre line, outmanoeuvring two players, kicking ahead, and outpacing Launceston’s defenders, one more kick before controlling the ball to touch down. The try was duly converted by Sione Matakaiongo (Jay). Just what Marlborough needed heading into halftime.
Half-Time: Launceston 24 – 12 Marlborough
As has become the norm, the halftime team talk was well organised by the coaches, with no trace of panic. Clear, constructive instructions were provided by the coaching team, culminating in a no-nonsense address from skipper James Farrell.
Marlborough opened the second half with determination. Skipper James Farrell orchestrated a brilliant play, leading to a flying Connor Hull, who showcased exceptional support play to finish it off. Sione Matakaiongo (Jay) sealed the deal with the conversion.
Unfortunately, the momentum from Marlborough’s inspiring play didn’t last. Once again, they seemed to teeter on the edge of self-destruction. Launceston’s number nine capitalised on two missed tackles, scoring a great individual try, though it remained unconverted.
Despite a few lapses where Marlborough seemed to switch off, the overall outlook began to improve but Marlborough’s attempts were soon thwarted by Launceston’s impressive defence, holding up two promising Marlborough tries.
At the 61-minute mark, Marlborough delivered another stellar try from 40 meters out. Spotting space on the left, Connor Hull executed a massive miss pass to the flying winger Dylan Davies, who outpaced two Launceston defenders to dot down in the corner: poetry in motion, though unconverted.
Launceston fought back again and earned a penalty try due to a deliberate knock on by Sefanaia Volau, which resulted in a red card for a second yellow card offence. James Farrell’s excellent leadership shone through, and three minutes later, he picked up from the base of the scrum, weaved through the Launceston defence, and scored. Jay successfully converted.
Marlborough fought their way back into contention but once again faltered, allowing Launceston’s phenomenal scrumhalf to slip through missed tackles and score under the posts, with the try duly converted.
To their credit, Marlborough dug in and refused to let their heads drop. Akariva Seruvatu completed a well-earned try following a dominant Marlborough scrum, shortly after his earlier attempt had been held up. Unfortunately, the conversion was missed, and with time running out, there was nothing more Marlborough could do. The Cornish All Blacks secured the win.
Final Score: Launceston 43 – 36 Marlborough
Marlborough should view this as the one that slipped through their fingers. Launceston proved to be a formidable opponent, but ultimately, Marlborough was their own worst enemy. There were positives, such as securing bonus points away from home against a strong side. Notable individual performances came from Captain James Farrell, the ever-reliable Chris Diamond, Connor Hull, 18-year-old Jay, and James Marshall.
The coaches are thrilled with the progress of the youngsters like Kieran Brown, Dylan Davies, and Taine Pollinger. Another positive is the ever-growing team spirit and sense of rugby family within the club, largely driven by the senior players.
Marlborough’s players, coaches, and backroom staff extend their gratitude to Launceston for their exceptional hospitality. Despite the result, the warm welcome made for an enjoyable afternoon.
Marlborough also extends their gratitude to the referee for his top-notch officiating. His excellent work played a significant role in delivering an entertaining rugby match packed with thrills and spills for both sets of spectators.
Next week, the boys will be hosting Barnstaple on the Common. This is a game they’re eager to win. There’s plenty of good stuff happening out on the pitch; it just needs to come together with fewer penalties and cards. The Marlborough supporters believe in them now the players just need to believe in themselves too!
Administrative Assistant (Part-Time) – Home Start North Wiltshire
