Marlborough Rugby – ‘Game of Two Halves’ – Loss to leaders Devenport Services on The Common

Marlborough 16 – 31 Devonport Services

If Yoda was a member of the Marlborough Rugby Coaching Team, his blessing as the team ventured out on to The Common pitch would very likely be ‘May the slope be with you’. Last Saturday, against table topping Devonport Services, that could not have been more evident and observed. Marlborough played down the slope in the first half: probably some of the best rugby they had played all season. At the break they were nine points ahead – 16-7. They were excellent.. Then, half time, followed by the uphill second half…..

Match Report:

In truth and from the touchline the first half was probably the best rugby the Marlborough 1st XV have played all season. The scrum had the top of the league side running backwards and penalties followed. Unfortunately this couldn’t keep up with the same intensity as the report sets out;

“Not great conditions with a very wet pitch and high winds. Marlborough started well, playing downhill, with 2nd row Metuisela Vereivalu ripping the ball on the halfway line. From the ruck scrum half Vili Vunipola whipped the ball out to Nichaiah Boynton who with equally quick hands passed to winger Akariva Seruvatu to chip kick his opposite wing and race through to score after only 2 minutes. Unconverted.

Marlborough settled into the game really quickly. Very much helped by a dominant scrum. On 15 minutes flyhalf George Shakespeare kicked a penalty in extremely testing conditions.

Devonport fought back and scored on 20 minutes with a try from a driving maul that Marlborough were unable to defend. Converted. But Marlborough were still very much on the front foot. Akariva Seruvatu scoring his 2nd try following some nice build up play and Aka showing speed & skill to finish. Unconverted. 5 minutes later George Shakespeare converted another penalty.

Half-time – Marlborough 16 – 7 Devonport Services

The coaches at halftime were not overly happy as they were of the opinion that given Marlborough’s first half dominance they had left some points out there and they should have been further ahead.

The 2nd half started badly for Marlborough with Devonport scoring after on 2 minutes. Unconverted.

Young Max Khawaja also received a yellow card for attempting to make the try saving tackle that was deemed to be high. There was also a hint of the “Held Up” when the try was given. Devonport made the most of Marlborough being a man down as you would expect from a well drilled and well coached side. Marlborough conceded another 2 tries (one converted) in the next 8 minutes. So, from a halftime lead of 16-7 just 10 minutes into the 2nd half we’re now 16-24 behind. The story of the 2nd half was that Devonport upped their game and Marlborough dropped off. Devonport scored again with the final play of the game with Marlborough chasing to salvage a bonus point.”

Final Score – Marlborough 16 – 31 Devonport Services

Man of the Match was inside centre Kevini Tuaimei’api whose ball carrying and defence was fantastic.

Marlborough were perhaps two players short of what could have been their strongest squad yesterday. A stark contrast to last week’s squad at Lydney.

There were signs of encouragement but there is no getting away from the fact that since the end of September the lack of a proper training facility has been a hinderance in being able to prepare a squad to play at this level. The opposition all have floodlit facilities. This will hopefully start to improve this week when the St Johns School floodlit 3G pitch comes online.

Marlborough’s league position is unchanged with Matson below.

There are two more 1st XV matches before the Christmas break. Next weekend Marlborough play Topsham away. When they came to The Common Marlborough narrowly lost to them by 8 points in early September. So now that the team is strengthening perhaps a reverse of the last fixture’s scoreline? For anyone wanting to travel to the game there will be running a team coach – just book your place by emailing info@mrfc.co.uk.

On 20 December Launceston arrive on The Common – a match t5at Marlborough should win. More next week. Coming to watch the match has got to be better than last minute Christmas shopping????

Marlborough Rugby’s 2nd XV – Nomads – had an equally difficult day away at Chippenham losing 39 v 26. Many congrats to Max Petit who was awarded man of the match. This coming weekend the 2nd XV host Swanage and Wareham (2pm kick-off) who top the table currently however the Nomads have maintained 9th position in the league. If anyone would like a pre match meal in the Clubhouse – let the club know via info@mrfc.co.uk.