Marlborough 33 – 10 CS Stags
On Saturday, the 1st XV hosted C S Stags on the Common in the return leg of the Regional 1 South Central League game. This was the first time the Stags had been to Marlborough, and they had not anticipated the difference the slope on the Common makes and that they should have made much of their time coming down the slope in the first half.
It was a dreary day on the Common, but at least the weather had not interfered with the game. There was optimism amongst the team and the Marlborough faithful, but nothing was taken for granted.
There were a further two new additions to the team: scrum half Viliame Salusalu and centre Hufangahau Latu. There was also a welcome return of Joe Visci (a second row and back-row player) to the team for the first time this season.
Marlborough did not get off to the best of starts, conceding a try after two minutes due to Marlborough spilling the ball which led to a line out, and then from the back of the maul, the opposition put the ball down over the line. The try was left unconverted, even though initially it was given by the linesmen but overruled by the referee. A second unconverted try by the visitors was dotted down in the 16th minute.
Marlborough did then begin to find their feet and put in some good phases of play, applying constant pressure to the Stags, but the home side failed to score in the first half.
Half-Time: Marlborough 0 – 10 CS Stags
The second half started brightly for Marlborough, playing down the slope, with Akariva Seruvatu (Aka) out on the wing scoring 10 minutes after the re-start, which was kindly converted by Niall Pollinger.
Four minutes later, Marlborough skipper and ‘Man of the Match’ Ollie Spanswick scored a second after picking up the ball from the base of a ruck on the 22-metre line and running it in between the posts. Again, Niall provided the extras.
Marlborough were on a roll, much to the delight of the Marlborough faithful up and down the sidelines. Seven minutes later, the Marlborough skip scored again due to the pressure Marlborough were applying to the visitors and was converted by Niall Pollinger.
The next try was scored by new centre Hufangahau Latu in the 74th minute, which was also converted by Niall Pollinger.
Sadly, Metuisela Verivalu received a yellow card two minutes from the end of the game, which slightly marred what had been a fine performance from him during the rest of the game. The final try of the match was in the last minute of the game and came from a sniping run weaving through the midfield from the other newbie, Viliame Salusalu, but this one was left unconverted.
Final Score: Marlborough 33 – 10 CS Stags
The coaches were happier than they have been for a while. Finally, things seem to be coming together, and the newer players are starting to bed in. The 1st XV has experienced a high number of long-term injuries, so attracting new players and asking 2nd team players to step up has been a necessity. The coaches and players have been working hard at training, and a huge thanks goes to Jason and Will for their input. There is still more to do, but at least Marlborough has changed its trajectory. There is no game next Saturday, but on Saturday, February 18, the 1st XV are away to Maidenhead, who currently lie in ninth position, one above Marlborough. This will be another exciting game, as Marlborough have tasted a win again, and they quite like it.
It was also another win for the 2nd XV against Minety (26–38). They also have a weekend off, and then they face Swindon College Old Boys on the Common in another local derby fixture for the boys.
Residents’ parking scheme for Kennet Place – TRO Consultation until Feb 19
