Brighton 25 – 12 Marlborough
Last Saturday (December 9), the 1st XV travelled down to Brighton RFC to play the return leg of their league game in the Regional 1 South Central league. There have been several learning curves for the team to adjust to, including travel. But what is hard to get used to is the number of trying times the team has so far encountered when travelling. However, Saturday’s journey to Brighton must take first place, and hopefully it will not be surpassed!
The outward journey from The Clubhouse in Marlborough to Brighton Rugby Club took just in excess of five hours, and the return journey was just short of 3.5 hours. One player who travelled independently didn’t even arrive. This obviously had a knock-on effect, in that the match needed to be played under floodlights. There was a slight problem in that Brighton’s only flood-lit pitch was under water. Brighton’s volunteer army heroically managed to pump the water off as well as physically scooping the water up just in time for Marlborough’s arrival, leaving an extremely boggy but just about playable pitch. These guys did an amazing job and deserved a night of free beers while their fellow players took the mick from the sidelines, and their supporters and Committee members were in warm enjoying a festive lunch and drinks.
The coach pulled into Brighton’s car park at 2.40 pm. The kit, closely followed by players, went into the changing room. Fortunately, Marlborough’s physio, Susie, had used the time well on the coach and had strapped any of the players who needed strapping. Marlborough had almost a non-existent warm-up period, and at 3.15 pm the game kicked off.
Despite all of this, Marlborough shot out of the blocks and scored following a break by Akariva Seruvatu (Aka), who was tackled just short of the line but managed to offload to a supporting James Farrell to score, which was converted by Rokodanini Waicolayawa (Roko).
Brighton hit back on 12 minutes with a try from a driving maul that Marlborough were unable to defend but was left unconverted. Marlborough were struggling a little on the pitch, and the next drama was inside centre. Ben Fulton, unsurprisingly given the lack of warm-up pulled a hamstring. With no substitute backs on the bench, back row and Club Captain Ollie Spanswick now had to play the remainder of the match in the centre. But Marlborough did score on 24 minutes with a break from Save Tuimatanisaqa, setting up two phases, and Akariva Seruvatu (Aka) scored in the corner but was unconverted.
Sadly, the remainder of the first half remained scoreless for Marlborough, but they had to defend hard as the home team was up for it in front of their home supporters.
Half-Time: Brighton 5 – Marlborough 12
In the second half, the journey, the conditions, and yellow cards took their toll, and Marlborough were unable to put any more points on the board. The home side, with their very vocal supporters, pushed harder, and Marlborough had to defend as though their lives depended on it. There was the odd bright moment for Marlborough, but ultimately Brighton had the upper hand.
Final Score: Brighton 25 – Marlborough 12
This was a very tough day at the office for Marlborough and disappointing, but in the end, it is what it is. The boys did the best they could. A neutral spectator who has been travelling around to the last four Marlborough games said it was the best he had seen the boys play, and they were very unlucky. The boys were grateful for the hospitality and welcome they received from Brighton and appreciated the effort they had put in to make the pitch playable.
Next week, the 1st XV will play their final game of the year at home against Bournemouth on the Common. The last time these two teams met, Marlborough beat Bournemouth by 34 points to 28. This will be a battle between the two teams, as Marlborough is determined to end the year with a win and the visitors want to win away. This should be a good game with a lot at stake, especially pride.
Fortunately, the second XV had a much better day at the office, beating Supermarine 35 points to 5. They are now at the top of the league (Counties Tribute 2 D&W North). Their closest rivals are Chippenham II, who are six points behind and have played one less game. The boys finish the year on a high note and are following the objective.turday, they are away to Swindon College Old Boys in a double header. It is not only a league game but a competition game as well.