Marlborough Rugby – v. Launceston (away)

An incredibly frustrating trip to Launceston on Saturday. 3½hr coach journey, gale force winds and heavy rain. Made easier by a very friendly, hospitable and extremely well organised welcome from Launceston Rugby Club.

Marlborough started playing into the wind. And unfortunately conceded a converted try after only 4 minutes following 2 missed tackles and some woeful midfield defence. But they were holding their own in the set piece. Shortly after the restart vice-captain James Adams made a wonderful interception was tackled just short of the line but unfortunately the ball was then knocked on over the line following James’s off load. On 10 minutes James Adams scored in the corner following a nice backs move and a fantastic run from Akariva Seruvatu who passed to James to score. Unconverted.

Launceston adapted to the poor conditions far better than Marlborough who were making silly unforced errors and squandering try scoring opportunities with some very poor decision making. It is easy to blame the conditions BUT they were the same for both teams. Launceston scored again on 30 minutes with a tap and go penalty and with the help of a poorly organised Marlborough defence. Unconverted. Launceston scored again just before halftime from an attacking line out followed by a dominant maul. The ball then going along the line for a score in the corner. Unconverted.

Half-time – Launceston 17 v Marlborough 5

Now playing with the wind it was hoped that Marlborough may be able to pick up their game. Unfortunately, it was not to be. It was an error strewn 2nd half by both sides. Unfortunately, now the Marlborough set piece disintegrated with almost every scrum resulting in a scrum penalty.

If Marlborough are to have any success this season this area of their game must be rectified. Launceston scored again on 70 minutes with Marlborough unable to defend their maul. Unconverted. To their credit Marlborough did fight to the end. A wonderful break from Akariva Seruvatu who then off loaded to captain Chris Diamond then onto Keveni Tuaimei’api to score under the posts. The following conversion was missed. Which just about summed up Marlborough’s extremely poor afternoon.

Final Score – Launceston 22 v Marlborough 10

While there is no getting away from the fact that this was a very underwhelming performance by Marlborough.

There is cause for optimism in some areas. Man of the Match scrum half 18 year old Jimbo Lemon had a magnificent 1st team debut. Unbelievably this was only Jimbo’s 3rd game of senior rugby. Following 2 very impressive appearances for the 2nd team. And more than justifying the coaches confidence in selecting him. Our 3 international coaches: Elisi Vunipola(Tonga). Sitiveni Sivivatu(New Zealand). Halani Aulika(Tonga) are not quick to praise or easily impressed and Jimbo certainly made his mark.

Akariva Seruvatu again had an extremely solid game and was involved in almost everything positive that Marlborough did. New back row James Harden also had a very solid game particularly considering he only joined the club 3 weeks ago and due to his work commitments is unable to train.

It is also worth remembering that this was a long way from a full-strength Marlborough 1st team. Now we have a week off there are hopefully a number of players to return for the next game. This is in no way an excuse: Given the nature of rugby it has to be very much a squad game and a number of the players selected yesterday simply have to improve.

One additional note. The 1st XV were for the very first time refereed by a female ref. Overwhelmingly both sides and coaches thought she was by far the best ref they have had at level 5. Long may it continue! See attached.

Where does this leave Marlborough in the table? As you will see we have now slipped to 11th – click here to view.