Tough pre-season opener against high level Welsh opposition

Marlborough 22 – 42 Brecon RFC

Marlborough played the first of its two preseason contests on Saturday. Brecon RFC was first up, sending a team of 26 players to Marlborough Common. Even though they travelled a bit of a distance, they wouldn’t be able to justify any poor performance on the pitch because they are a side that is at a much higher level than Marlborough.

Brecon are a long established club playing in Division One East of the Welsh National League, which is equivalent to two leagues higher than the level that. after promotion, Marlborough have attained this season.

The family fun day that preceded the game suffered from vendors not attending due to the weather and numbers since, to put it nicely, the weather was challenging. However, those who braved the conditions got to view some wonderful old and recent classic cars, whose owners couldn’t wait to share their pride and joy. Characters from Peppa Pig appeared to be a hit among the kids getting their faces painted, while giant Jenga and Skittles were also a hit. Tearoom Bambi and Catherine Vine provided delectable, sweet goodies, and Ian from the Marlborough Classics antique coffee van supplied some excellent coffee.

Marlborough’s team was varied, yet each member rose to the occasion, played admirably, and did the club proud. Due to other obligations, several of Marlborough’s usual suspects were unable to take part in this game.

Marlborough lost Ash Horner from the front row early in the game, but Lemeki Moala filled in admirably. Save Tuimatanisaqa, a recent addition to the squad, was equally formidable in the front row. As needed, Kieran Brown and Myles Richards were brought in on a rotating basis to assist. Bradley Whatley, who has progressed through all the age groups at Marlborough and into the seniors, likely had his finest game ever for the team.

Together, Jamie Pittams and Henry Webster in the second row played effectively, and Jamie had one of his best games. He greatly aided the cause with his line-out dominance as well as Bradley’s outstanding throwing. Unfortunately, Henry had to leave the game due to an injury; however, the indomitable Adam Neal, who was eagerly awaiting in the wings, took his place.

Maikolo Manu, the Captain, James Marshall, and Charlie Ladds (all first class) made up the starting back row. Maikolo and Charlie are also both new additions to the team for the current campaign. Charlie impressed the Coaches’, and they are starting to get a little excited.

Marlborough were very fortunate to have the services of scrum-half Matthew Flanagan, who was top-class. When Vili Hakalo had to come off through injury, another new signing, Sam Walker, stepped in admirably at fly-half after only being at one training session with the boys.

As usual, Ben Fulton was outstanding at inside centre and once again displayed excellent leadership. James Adams, another recent addition (well, there have been a few), who played outside centre for Marlborough, made an excellent debut. With Viliami Waqanidrola coming off the bench to shine upon his injury comeback, the team is creating some serious depth at 12 and 13. Although it was not his natural position, Niall Pollinger (yep, another newbie) wowed the coaches and spectators by filling in at fullback. There should be some intriguing competition amongst the players as to who gets to wear a first XV shirt this season.

Even though the final score may have been Marlborough 22 – Brecon RFC 42, Marlborough can still be satisfied with this performance. The boys who played carried out an amazing job while punching much above their weight. Player/coach Vili Hakalo expressed his satisfaction with the players’ “awesome attitude” and added that the boys who advanced from the seconds “should be proud of themselves as it was a massive step up, but you did it really well.” There are many positives to take away from the game and some areas that need improvement, but in the end, the players can look forward to the game against Weston-Super-Mare on Saturday. The game starts at 3:00 pm; let’s hope the weather is a bit nicer.