Marlborough 27 – 30 Hammersmith & Fulham
Saturday saw Marlborough host Hammersmith & Fulham on the Common in the return leg of the Region 1 South Central League game. The last time both teams met, the weather was warmer, and Marlborough came away with the win. But sadly, history did not quite repeat itself.
Marlborough won the toss, choosing to run uphill in the first half, and they opened the scoring after only three minutes with a penalty from Aaron James. Only for the visitors to draw level four minutes later. On ten minutes, Save Tuimatanisaqa scored a try, which was made possible by some exceptional handling by forwards Aporosa Masicola (Masi) and Lemeki Moala (Meki), but was sadly left unconverted.
The next score was by the Hammers on 19 minutes, which was converted. The ball was kicked through the posts before being touched down. The Marlborough faithful were not quite convinced that the lead-up to the score was on point.
Again, very quickly the Hammers scored by the same player following a good maul from an attacking line out and then one phase to score, which was then converted.
The final score of the first half was again slightly controversial. Akariva Seruvatu (Aka) was hit in the air as he went for the ball, nearly having his head permanently removed from the rest of his body. Unfortunately, Marlborough players retaliated, and the penalty was reversed. Both sides received a yellow just before the halftime whistle blew.
Half-Time: Marlborough 8 – 20 Hammersmith & Fulham
The halftime talk from the coaches was one that clearly showed that they were not overly impressed by the way the players were handling the referee. Aka was replaced by Sam Waddell, as he was still suffering from his hit in the air.
Again, the second half started poorly for Marlborough, with the Hammers running in a try from a clearing kick by Marlborough. It was not Marlborough’s finest moment defensively, and to add insult to injury, it was converted.
Marlborough began to find their rhythm, and the Marlborough supporters were starting to get vocal—there were expectations. A fantastic break from Save Tuimatanisaqa, who set up two phases for Lemeki Moala (Meki) to score, was kindly converted by Aaron.
The next score by Marlborough was from Oscar Astbury in the 60th minute following a cross-field kick from James Farrell, which was effortlessly scooped up by Oscar out on the wing, and Aaron put the icing on the cake courtesy of his boot.
Unfortunately, Marlborough conceded a penalty in front of the posts, which was duly converted by visitors. The final score of the game was a bonus point try for Marlborough, with Oscar Astbury scoring his second try of the game. It started with a tap penalty, then two phases along the line for Oscar to beat his man and score, but sadly, it was left unconverted.
Final Score: Marlborough 28 – 30 Hammersmith & Fulham
The boys were bitterly disappointed, but at least some points were gained, and at least they remained in 10th position within the league. Next Saturday, the boys are home again, playing the rescheduled game against Havant due to a frozen pitch. Havant currently lies in second position in the league table.
‘Man of the Match’ was awarded to Solomone Aniseko (Seko), who is kindly sponsored by Casa Fajara Rustic Boutique House & Hotel. Seko had a solid game, which was physical, with numerous successful tackles made on his counterparts.
Sadly, the 2nd XV also didn’t manage to bring home the win in their local derby against Chippenham IIs. This has now pushed the team down to third place, with Chippenham taking the top slot. Next Saturday, the boys are also home, where they welcome Calne back to the Common. Hopefully, they will return to form and reverse last week’s results.
Take your dog waste to the bins – letter from David Pocock
