Sidmouth 30 – 38 Marlborough
On Saturday, the 1st XV ventured into deepest, darkest Devon, well to Sidmouth RFC, for their inaugural match against the Devonshire side. Departing from Wiltshire under gloomy skies following the earlier storm, the day seemed destined to be dreary and dank. However, as the team neared Devon, the weather brightened, hinting that summer might just be making a final appearance with glorious sunshine.
The game didn’t start well for Marlborough, as they lost last week’s ‘Man of the Match’, Sam Ledua, to a knee injury just two minutes into the game. Initially, this didn’t seem to trouble Marlborough, who took a quick tap penalty after only eight minutes. The ball went out to replacement Sefanaia Volau, who offloaded in the tackle to Keveni Tuaimei’api to score, but unfortunately, the try was left unconverted.
The game then settled into a messy, stop-start pattern that would define the rest of the match. Despite numerous errors and stoppages, Marlborough appeared reasonably dominant, scoring again at the 21-minute mark when Sione Tamale broke through a ruck to charge over and score, and this try was also unconverted.
The match continued without any consistent flow and was punctuated by frequent whistle blows from the referee. Sidmouth struck back with a penalty try after Marlborough were deemed to have collapsed an attacking maul. Shortly afterwards, Sidmouth scored their second try with a well-constructed backs move, aided by some weak Marlborough defence. This try was unconverted as well.
Half-Time: Sidmouth 12 – 17 Marlborough
Both teams remained on the pitch for their respective halftime talks. Again, the forwards and backs split into their groups to assess the first half performance by Marlborough with the coaches. They then returned to the team huddle, where Elisi quietly had some words of wisdom, but Sitiveni spoke clearly, pointing out that Marlborough are a team, and they would only win as one—give up the white line fever or words to that effect.
If the first half was stop-start and disjointed, the second half took it to a whole new level. Marlborough were the first to score, following an attacking lineout and a powerful run-in midfield by centre Keveni Tauimei’api. He offloaded to loosehead prop Save Tuimatanisaqa, who then passed to the Number 8 John Brown to score, and Aaron Hold (scrum half) kindly converted the try.
Marlborough began to struggle in the lineouts, and a lost lineout led to Sidmouth’s next try, which came from a well-executed backs move that was converted. Sidmouth then added a penalty to their tally.
Marlborough quickly responded with a breakout by ‘Man of the Match’ John Brown, who offloaded to the lightning-quick Akariva Seruvatu (Aka). Aka passed to James Farrell (captain), who kicked through, gathered his own kick, and passed back to John Brown to score. Again, Aaron Hold provided the extras with the conversion.
Sidmouth remained in the fight, scoring an unconverted try at the 71-minute mark and then kicking another penalty to come within one point of Marlborough in the dying minutes. However, with the final play of the game, Sione Matakaiongo (Jay) scored a brilliant individual try, which was superbly converted by Aaron Hold.
This was a pleasing away bonus point win for Marlborough, but overall, a frustrating afternoon. Both teams showed glimpses of entertaining attacking rugby when allowed to play. The closeness of the score line did make it an exciting encounter, but it could have been so much better.
From Marlborough’s point of view, two worrying injuries to key players Sam Ledua and Ilisavani Nasemira. On the plus side, Aaron Hold stepped in at scrum half for the injured Will Grant and played exceptionally well. Both Kieran Brown and Sefanaia Volau came off the bench for the injured players and were very solid in their performances. Fly-Half Sione Matakaiongo (Jay) at only 18 years old showed that he has a great future ahead of him. ‘Man of the Match’ John Brown was outstanding with his ball-carrying and in defence.
Final Score: Sidmouth 30 – 38 Marlborough
Next week, Marlborough will host Royal Wootton Bassett on the Common in a local derby. This will be the first meeting between the two sides since 2019, when RWB emerged victorious. The return leg was cancelled due to COVID-19, leaving some unfinished business. Although it’s a different time, league, and set of teams, both sides will be eager for a win. This local derby promises to be a tantalizing encounter, one that both sets of supporters have likely circled on their calendars since the fixtures came out.
Meanwhile, the 2nd XV will be away to Swindon College Old Boys as they continue their campaign for promotion this season. Hopefully, this rest weekend won’t disrupt their winning streak!
The Merchant’s House – Shop Director Volunteer Vacancy
