At last, Marlborough, a point!
Saturday saw Marlborough travel all the way to Brixham RFC, reports Leila Nairne. They had a fast start with a disallowed try in the first minute but then allowed Brixham to score 18 unanswered points. But, under skipper James Farrell’s outstanding leadership, Marlborough fought back with two quick tries – by the skipper himself and by debutant Wate Kuli – from exceptional attacking play. The second was converted by Sione “Jay” Matakaiongo, whose name and prominence in play challenged the stadium announcer all afternoon.
Brixham responded with a converted try and a penalty. But then came an exceptional individual try from Akariva Seruvatu, who danced from the halfway line to score – with Jay providing the extras.
Brixham kicked off the second half with a converted try but Marlborough’s fighting spirit and leadership shone through, responding with a close-range converted try from Save Tuimatanisaqa. Brixham edged ahead with two more converted tries and a penalty.
Even so, Marlborough stayed in the game, offering great value to their supporters with tries by Chris Diamond, in his outstanding first season, and after a superb buildup and several penalties (during which Brixham took a yellow card) new winger Semisi Drauvaki.
Standing at Brixham 57 – Marlborough 41 at the final whistle, this performance was a significant improvement for Marlborough, earning them a crucial point.
Photos by kind permission of Leila Nairne
