Marlborough 48 – 15 Chippenham
On Saturday 01 April saw the start of the pool games for the 1st XV, but the chance of any rugby being played on the Common on this day was very much in the lap of the gods. The previous weeks rain had taken its toll on the Common, and after three pitch inspections, it was deemed that only the first team pitch would be playable, much to the disappointment of the 2nd XV, who wanted to get their competition campaign started.
By the time kickoff came around, the weather had much improved; even the sun managed to barge its way through the clouds to give the impression that spring had sprung. There were a good number of spectators gathering on the sidelines, and expectations were growing. Marlborough and Chippenham had not butted heads this season because they were in different leagues, so it was very much an unknown. The visitors had had a great season, so on paper it looked like a very even contest. It would probably come down to who could play at pace for a full eighty minutes.
The whistle blew, and the visitors were off the blocks straight away, there was no messing around. Within three minutes, Chippenham had scored an unconverted try from a very well-driven maul and an attacking lineout. The visitors kept the momentum going, and Marlborough was showing signs of a little rustiness after having a week off and not getting their usual amount of training.
After a while, the home side readjusted and started to get into the game. They soon realised that Chippenham were up for it and would happily point out Marlborough’s weaknesses. Eventually Solomone Aniseko (Seko) scored from a Marlborough driving maul that went unconverted.
Marlborough were still some ways from their best, and Chippenham again took the lead, scoring from a kick and chase that was again unconverted. As time neared the end of the first half, Marlborough were finally easing into the match, scoring the final try of the half following an attacking line out with Akariva Seruvatu (Aka) making a break, then passing the ball out to Callum Hunt, who had only just come on to the pitch due to Joe Pittams having to be replaced due to an injury. Callum went full pelt and raced in to score, which was duly converted by Will Reeve, who was on kicking duties this day.
Half-time: Marlborough 12 – Chippenham 10
The players probably didn’t quite enjoy the coach’s halftime talk; better was expected in the second half, and they all knew it.
Marlborough had obviously paid attention to the chat because it was the home team that flew out of the blocks this time, using the downhill momentum to full effect. A line-out overthrow was caught by Lemeki Moala at the back, then one phase of quick ball from scrum-half Aaron Hold, who was playing up for the 1st XV, along the line for Aka to score in the corner, and again Will’s boot did its magic. At last, Marlborough was starting to settle down and play some decent rugby despite spirited and physical opposition from Chippenham. The next score was an unexpected but superb drop goal from Will Reeve. It was taken standing in the pocket just outside Chippenham’s 22.
Chippenham were still most certainly in the game, and after fifty minutes they scored another unconverted try in the corner following a line out. With the scores now Marlborough 22-Chippenham 15. It was still very much game on. Marlborough kept their cool, superbly led by Ollie Spanswick. All the home players stepped up and started to play some of their best rugby this season. Ollie himself was the next to score following a quick tap penalty from Seko, taking three Chippenham players to stop him; he may be small, but he is mighty. Then two quick phases from the ruck followed, and Ollie scored, which was converted by Will.
The Marlborough coaches’ decisions in using the bench to keep the tempo going and freshen players up were paying dividends. Jamie Pittams came on in the second row to give Oscar Tamani a break. Then Oscar was put back on in the back row to give young Dom Rokomaqisa a fifteen-minute siesta.
The next try was a second for Callum—a line out with four quick phases, with young Aaron Hold keeping the tempo high. The ball flew along the line and out to the speedster, Callum, who dotted the ball down, but sadly this one was not converted.
The next Marlborough try was pure, raw, front row power. A quick tap penalty from Lemeki Moala, who sneakily offloaded to fellow front row, Seko, in full flight from about four metres out, crashed over the line to score a converted try.
Chippenham was not yet prepared to throw in the towel, but trying to battle uphill in claggy conditions was starting to take its toll. The Marlborough coaches kept the rolling subs going, with the youngster Bradley Whatley coming on to replace Seko. Dom Rokomaqisa came back on to give the No. 8, Jack Lynd, a break. The final try of the game came from an attacking scrum. Aaron quickly got the ball out to inside centre Loketi Manu, who raced in under the posts to score, which was converted by Will Reeve.
Final Score: Marlborough 48 – Chippenham 15
As far as Marlborough was concerned, this was very much a game of two halves. But great credit should go to the coaching staff and the players for not panicking and adapting to the game. As usual, there were some great performances put in by individuals, but it is teams who win.
Player of the Match deservedly went to Will Reeve, who started off at full back, then had to switch to fly half following the injury to the centre Joe Pittams. This caused the whole back line to be rejigged, but the boys adapted well.
The awesome foursome, which included all the front row players—Ash, Seko, and Meki—and this week was ably assisted by Bradley Whatley, were as always outstanding. Second row player Henry Webster is now right back at the top of his game. Skipper Ollie Spanswick is becoming a top-notch captain. And of course, there’s Jack Lynd, who never seems to have a bad game, and the youngster, Dom Rokomaqisa, who is coming on in leaps and bounds.
Scrum half Aaron Hold was very much thrown in at the deep end this week, and with very little rugby this season, he managed to keep the tempo high. Callum came back after six weeks out due to injury and scored two tries. Then there is this season’s top try scorer, Aka, who was also on the score sheet again and threatened every time he had the ball. The new boy, Loketi Manu, is slotting in as though he has been a part of the Marlborough set-up for years, and Weir’s defence in the centre was outstanding.
After Easter, the competition juggernaut enters the next phase when the boys travel down to the coast to play their second pool game away to St. Austell. Again, they too had a superb season and won their first pool game. There are exciting times ahead, and if you can’t make the trip down, follow what’s going on via social media and the website.
But if you can’t wait that long, the 2nd XV starts their competition campaign next Saturday on the Common when they play Chippenham II in their rearranged knockout game. Kickoff will be at 3.00 pm, there will be live rugby to watch and a fully stocked bar. What better way to celebrate Easter?
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Marlborough violinist to perform The Lark Ascending in Malmesbury Abbey
