From the early stages Marlborough were looking to run the ball with an exciting set of backs on display. Waisale Navunidakua and centre partner Amori Nailago were enjoying the wide open pitch and making some excellent breaks with some typical Fijian rugby.
A run from Navunidakua beat the defence and he fed Laurence Baker to score the first try of the game wide out on the right. Top points scorer Nathan Morgan getting the conversion. Following this early score Avonvale applied some pressure and kicked a penalty to make the early score 7-3.
However, Marlborough attacked again and were soon back in Avonvale’s 22. Tom Fleming took a quick penalty and ran hard into the defence. The ball was recycled and passed out to Jonny Mantle who then passed onto to skipper Jamie Pittams to turn and score. Morgan again converting. Soon after this another exciting break from the base of the scrum by number eight Mantle, led the ball reaching outside half Laurie Woolcott who went over for the try, again Morgan converting.
Avonvale did pressurise again and were near the Marlborough line, but a monster kick by Morgan using the wind as well led to a line out near the Avonvale line. A good line out win by Mantle was followed by a powerful run from Jack Lynd who put in Ben Beanland to get on the score sheet. A similar passage of play where a big kick out let to more Marlborough pressure, the clearance kick went to Adam Whatley who charged forward and passed to Morgan to get the try.
Half time score 31-3.
The second half saw Marlborough playing into a strong wind, but the good attacking play continued.
A strong scrum that featured great work in the front row by prop Matt Davies, set up the backs to run at Avonvale again. Scrum half Will Grant, who was always making sniping little runs and setting up his backs, passed to Nailago who made an impressive break with a great step and ran in to score. The free running of the backs continued with a break from wing Bruce Vuentatatoka. He was tackled well by the full back but the phases from Marlborough flowed and eventually Morgan went in for another try, yet again after good support from Whatley and Mantle.
Mantle himself was next to score as he finished off another good passing move from Navunidakua and Vuentatatoka. Vuentatatoka then finished off a move with a well deserved try. The final score of 58-3, meant a 100% league record and only 1 bonus point dropped.
The side now look forward to Dorset & Wilts North 1 and also hoping to have a 2nd XV next season.
Please note the club is always looking to welcome new players, please see our website.
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