Marlborough 46 – 14 Ivybridge
Following some excellent preparation in the week (and after a welcome weekend off!), spirits were high for this game against Ivybridge. The men of Marlborough got off to a fast start with Sione ‘Jay’ Matakaiongo scoring after only four minutes! This cracking opener started with a high clearing kick won by our immense second row Ryan Nabuni, which led into several solid phases by the Marlborough forwards, with the ball then being fed along the back line to flying full back Jay to score in the corner. Something of an all-rounder, he then converted his own try! Marlborough 7-0 Ivybridge.
It was only another five minutes before Marlborough scored again. More good phase play with forwards and backs supporting each other and everyone working hard on and off the ball. Having made sure his forwards secured the ball in good field position, scrum half Aaron Hold judged perfectly when the time was right to go wide – the ball ending up with winger Semisi Drauvaki who chipped through, chased and scored. Unconverted. Marlborough 12-0 Ivybridge.
Ivybridge began to get into the game with some patient build up play of their own, but the much-practiced Marlborough defensive drills of the last fortnight proved their worth and our ‘D’ held out. On 20 minutes, Marlborough struck again. Winning a penalty on half-way, we benefitted from a really good kick to touch from Jay to set up a 5-metre line out, won cleanly in the air by Marlborough. Ivybridge held the initial maul, but with two quick phases our back row and Man of the Match Jonasa Tabua beat two men to score and super try, which was converted by Jay. Marlborough 19-0 Ivybridge.
Marlborough won the restart and team captain Chris Diamond broke a tackle before setting up the backs to rampage forward. Akariva ‘Akka’ Seruvatu was flying down his wing and took the ball at pace, beating his man, but tackled on the 5-metre line. His deft off-load went straight into the hands of our charging tight-head prop, Ash Horner, who crashed over to score. Unconverted, but those on the touch-line were well-impressed by the Marlborough support play for this try, which was outstanding. Marlborough 24-0 Ivybridge.
Despite the score line Ivybridge were still very much in the game and made a number of strong forwards moves and sniping runs by their backs, but Marlborough’s defence was solid. Just before half time Jay scored his second try, which had been set up with a fine break from Kevini Tauimei’api, but wasn’t converted. The referee blew up for halftime and it was a very favourable scoreline on The Common:
Half-Time: Marlborough 29 – 0 Ivybridge
The Marlborough half time talks are now running like a well-oiled machine with the backs & forwards coaches, John & Knoxy, having the first few minutes with their respective charges, before both groups come together for the input from Elisi & Sitiveni. The huddle is a joy to see when it it obviously working and the messages are being understood and acted upon.
Despite the half-time pep talk, Marlborough did not start the second half well at all… Ivybridge, on the other hand, did! Marlborough conceded a couple of silly penalties, and the outcome of giving ground and having to reorganise and re-set quickly meant that the Ivybridge forwards were able to exploit the situation – and the men in green and white scored a first try on 49 minutes. Converted. Marlborough 29-7 Ivybridge.
Marlborough fought hard to regain the composure shown in the first half, and tightened up their game, winning a penalty just inside the Ivybridge half; this kick was lined up perfectly by Jay, and the 3 points took us to Marlborough 32-7 Ivybridge.
Following the re-start, Marlborough seemed to lose a bit of focus and, probably frustrated by having let in a try when the game was going our way, conceded more penalties… Ivybridge exploited their chances and pressed home the advantage each time. With Marlborough on the back foot for several minutes, another try looked inevitable, and so it was. On the 55-minute mark, the deficit was reduced again, and we were Marlborough 32-14 Ivybridge. Ivybridge were clearly looking for bonus points!
With the final quarter looming, the cry was “composure, boys, composure”. To their credit, and with some excellent leadership from captain Chris Diamond with vice-captain James Adams leading the backs, the men of Marlborough literally and figuratively pulled their socks up and re-imposed themselves on the game. An excellent break-out from a defensive position by Number 8 Charlie Ladds and a deft pass to Akka on the halfway line, saw Akka out-pace the Ivybridge defence to score. Converted by Jay. Marlborough 39-7 Ivybridge.
And then, just before full-time, Marlborough won a scrum against the head; the ball was distributed quickly by scrum half Aaron for Akka to score! Akka’s second was swiftly converted by Jay, who brought the score to Marlborough 46-14 Ivybridge. Soon after the re-start, with an injury to an Ivybridge player, the referee brought things to a close and the ever-darkening skies on The Common pushed the healthy crowd of spectators into the warmth of the Clubhouse, concluding an excellent game of rugby and a fine afternoon.
Final Score: Marlborough 46 – 14 Ivybridge
Director of Rugby (Elisi Vunipola) and 1st XV Team Manager (Dave Pittams) Analysis:
This was a much-improved performance by Marlborough following the trip to Exmouth two weeks ago. This game, against a determined Ivybridge XV, was an all-round collective effort by the squad of 18 players and substitutes working hard for each other. Although we are still hampered by having a number of players suffering long-term injuries, this Saturday saw the return of some key men whose ability and experience helped enormously. Of particular note, it was great to get Number 8, Charlie Ladds, back – he has been out injured since the first pre-season game in August 2023. And, in the absence of injured club captain James Farrell, it was very pleasing to see the leadership of Chris Diamond and his vice-captain James Adams come very much to the fore. Hooker Jason Uipi has only been at the club a few weeks and is maturing with every game. And it is also easy to forget that Jay & Sione are still only 18 years old – they are still eligible to play for our Colts! Well done to everyone – we now have the long trip to St Austell to train for and look forward to…
Marlborough needs affordable housing, not another retirement complex say Councillors
