Marlborough II 22 – 20 Chippenham II
On Saturday, the 2nd XV hosted Chippenham II on the Common in the semi-final of the Cup-Counties 2. There was a lot of expectation that the boys could get the win, but Chippenham are a tough team and cannot be underestimated, especially as they are at the top of the Counties 2 Tribute D&W North League.
This week, the ‘Match Day ‘sponsor was Casa Fajara Rustic Boutique House and Hotel, who have been longtime supporters of the club and the players, for which the club is very grateful.
For this game, Marlborough were able to select a strong squad with only three regular second-team players being unavailable. But the boys were under no illusions about the challenge they faced in Chippenham. The last meeting between these two teams resulted in a significant win for Chippenham.
There was a good-sized crowd standing along the sidelines, patiently waiting for the game to kick off. The weather was dry, which was a blessing, but there was a fresh breeze, which was going to cause the kickers some issues during the game.
Marlborough had the best possible start, scoring a try after only three minutes of play from Jonasa Tabua (Tabs), but was sadly left unconverted. Unfortunately, this was the only highlight of the first half for Marlborough. Although the Marlborough set piece was working well, despite the early loss of tighthead prop Adam Copnell, in defence, the Marlborough backs were struggling to cope with the hard-running Chippenham backs. Marlborough had a player Jonasa Tabua (Tabs) binned for ten minutes, which was not very conducive to Marlborough’s cause.
The visitors soon pushed through, scoring a try of their own in the seventh minute, another in the 28th and again in the 39th minute. The saving grace was that none were converted, making the score more attainable for Marlborough’s hopeful comeback in the second half, when they would be going up the slope.
Half-Time: Marlborough II 5 – 15 Chippenham II
The coaches gave a positive halftime talk with some vocal input from the skipper, Kieran Brown, and vice-captain, Ben Beanland, setting the tone for a very different second half. Rusiate Kolouniviti (Rustee) came off the bench as the scrumhalf replacement, returning from suspension and making an immediate impact.
Second-row player and ‘Man of the Match’ Arthur Allen was becoming a real nuisance to the Chippenham line-out. Marlborough’s defence finally clicked into gear. In the 46th minute, Tab’s scored his second try of the day, which was also left unconverted.
Marlborough’s third try (52nd minute) was an individual effort by Rusiate Kolounivit (Rustee), who was now really starting to influence the game. By now, Marlborough had also introduced the hard-running Number 8 Pau Sema. He too was returning to the team after a concussion layoff, scoring Marlborough’s fourth try (54th minute), which was duly converted by Veleki Bulicokocoko (Buli).
Unfortunately, the poor defensive habits from the first half briefly crept back into the Marlborough game, allowing Chippenham back into the game, and in the 74th minute, the visitors scored. The Marlborough faithful held their breath. Were the rugby gods going to be looking down favourably on Marlborough? If Chippenham converted the try, the scores would be level, and time was ticking by. Many couldn’t look; breaths were held as the Chippenham kicker booted for the posts, but fortunately for Marlborough, he went just wide of them.
Chippenham did have one more roll of the dice with a great line break, but a last-ditch tackle from Marlborough’s 18-year-old fullback, Ben Hurford-John, saved the day for Marlborough and drew much applause and cheers from the Marlborough crowd. The relief for the Marlborough faithful was palpable.
Final Score: Marlborough II 22 – 20 Chippenham II
This was an extremely competitive and entertaining game of rugby that was thoroughly enjoyed by the spectators and certainly gave the matchday sponsors great value for their sponsorship.
It was a great all-round team effort by Marlborough under the guidance of skipper Kieran Brown (sponsored by Healthily Toned) and his number two, Ben Beanland (sponsored by Fine & Country). ‘Man of the Match’ Arthur Allen (sponsored by Light and Land Energy) was outstanding, as was the youngster Ben Hurford-John. A mention should also go to fly-half Sam Waddell. Sam has come through the Marlborough Colts and is really a winger who is on the edge of the first team, but with the absence of Jimmy Adams this season, the second team didn’t have a specialist fly half. Sam has stepped into this role and made it his own, growing into it with every game.
Next Saturday, both senior teams will be home in a double header. The 1st XV host, Horsham, who will be visiting the Common for the first time. They currently lie in twelfth position within the Regional 1 South Central League, two places below Marlborough and six points adrift. The seconds will be hosting Supermarine in another local derby.
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