Marlborough Rugby: Seconds make history by being the first second team to gain promotion to D & W North 1

 Marlborough II   63 – 15   Melksham

 

The league that Marlborough II will play in next season is the same that the First XV were playing four years ago.  Against Melksham Marlborough II’s scored a total of TEN tries on their way to making history for the Club last Saturday on the Common, emphatically defending their unbeaten home record by winning 63 points to 15 in their final league game of the 2018/19 season.

 

Next season, for the first time in Marlborough’s history the seconds will start the 2019/20 season in D&W North 1, the highest level a second team has ever played at for Marlborough RFC.

Marlborough II’s started the match a little nervy and lacked the clinical execution in the early exchanges.  Nathan Morgan opened up the scoring with a penalty within ten minutes.  The scrummaging from Marlborough was good and provided a great platform for no 8 Craig Williamson to make numerous yards time after time from the back of the scrum. 

 

Marlborough didn’t earn the right to play expansive rugby, attacking off first phase with little structure failed to pressure Melksham’s defence.  This resulted in a scrappy first half, the score of 22-10 flattering the hosts.  The boys knew there was more to come.  A refocusing at half time delivered two early tries snuffing out any hope in the opposition’s minds.

Melksham’ s forwards play was effective for short periods and they deserved their consolation tries during the match.  When Marlborough’s defensive pressure forced the opposition into making errors, which Marlborough quickly took advantage of.  With quick hands and supportive running they quickly exploited the space, to which Melksham had no answer.  This was ultimately reflected in the final score line.

A good game of rugby was played and with great spirit, supporters either side of the pitch encouraging the boys all the way on what was a fine, sunny, albeit chilly afternoon.  Greater challenges lie ahead next season for the boys but one which they will relish.