Shipston-on-Stour 3 – 55 Marlborough
On Saturday, the boys travelled up to Shipston-on-Stour for their next game in the Regional 2 Tribute South Central League. This was the first time the two sides had ever met, so there was a lot of unknowns for both sides.
Just before the game started, there was a minute’s silence held for a home side’s long-time supporter. When the referee blew the whistle for the start of the game, Marlborough started well, dominating the first of many scrums of the day. Marlborough’s No.8 Inosi Laqekoro (Knoxy) picked up the ball from the base, quickly passing out to Will Reeve, who kicked through for a great pick up by Akariva Seruvatu (Aka), who then passed inside to Will Grant, who was running a great support line to score as well as converting his own try.
Shipston struck back after ten minutes with a penalty. Following numerous infringements by Marlborough.
The next Marlborough try came quickly after the restart. Ben Fulton intercepted, setting up the Marlborough attack from the following ruck. Then, Will Reeve threw a miss pass to Aka, who in turn passed to full back, Weir Filikitonga, coming into the line. The defence just could not get a hand on him. He scored in the corner, which was left unconverted.
The next Marlborough try was also not long in coming. Shipston had an attacking 5 metre scrum which Marlborough won against the head. Knoxy picked up at the base, offloading to scrum-half Will Grant, who passed to Aka out on the wing. Aka turbo charged down 75 metres to score, which was converted by Will Grant.
The next ten minutes were probably ones the visitors would rather forget; too many ruck penalties and handling errors. But at around thirty minutes, Marlborough did manage to sort themselves out, winning a line out the ball, going along the line with Weir and Aka again, linking up very well, for Aka to score again, which was converted.
Marlborough was back on a roll, five minutes later, with a breakout of defence from Weir, then a cross-field kick from fly-half Will Reeve, which was caught by wing Hunt, beating two defenders to score a very well-finished try. Sadly, unconverted.
To their credit, Shipston was still very much in the fight, causing Marlborough a lot of trouble at the break downs and defending aggressively, but with the defensive effort came injuries that they couldn’t afford.
Shortly before half time, Marlborough’s Head Coach, Elisi, decided it was time to bring on Gareth Smith, replacement tight head prop who has returned to the fold, for some game time. This allowed Lemeki Moala a chance to take a breather. A game can have too much of a good thing.
Half-Time: Shipston-on-Stour 3 – Marlborough 31
The coaching staff were not overly impressed with the team’s first half performance, and their thoughts were positively pointed out.
The second half started well for Marlborough. Viliame Waqanidrola (Qila), who came on as the replacement centre for Joe Pittams, intercepted the home side’s throw, passing out to Hunt, who duly went on to score his second try, which was kindly converted by Will Grant.
Marlborough’s attacking intentions were frustrated for a very disruptive period by the home side. The break down and the penalty count were starting to become an issue for Marlborough, as well as several handling errors. But on fifty-eight minutes, Marlborough won an attacking line out, setting up a maul for Gareth Smith to score his first try for the team, which was also converted by Grant.
Will Reeve intercepted another Shipston set of phases, sprinting half the pitch to score, which sadly he was unable to convert due to our kicker receiving a yellow for a high tackle.
Qila received an injury, which meant he could no longer partake in the game. The backline had to be rejigged, with Aka moving to scrum half and Joe Pittams returning to the field, out on the wing. Both slotted seamlessly into their new positions. J ust before the final whistle, Hunt managed to add one more try to his tally of three for the day.
Final Score: Shipston-on-Stour 3 – Marlborough 55
It was good for Marlborough to get another win under their belt, maintaining their 100% winning strike rate. But maybe a little complacency is starting to creep in?
“Man of the match” was given to the vice-captain, James Marshall, who, as usual, has a phenomenal work rate and gets the recognition. As usual, the awesome foursome – Lemeki Moala, Bradley Whatley, Solomone Aniseko and Gareth Smith, who are Marlborough’s front row players, were just superb.
Team Manager, Dave Pittams, explained, “Although there are errors in attack, the defensive system seems to be working very well. Born out by the low number of points conceded so far this season”. This will be worked on this coming week on the training field. Next Saturday, 1st XV will be hosting Stow-on-Wold on the Common. Again, this is another first-time meeting and a top-of-the-table battle. The visitors will want to rain on Marlborough’s parade. They will want to bring Marlborough’s winning streak to a brutal end. This will be a very competitive and passionate game, one not to be missed.
Secretary required for Marlborough & District Talking Newspaper
