Sat 25 Oct 2025, 14:30
On the back of a great win over Royal Wootton Basset last weekend, the 1st XV was relishing the possibility of a third win in a row against bottom-of-the-table St. Austell. Confidence, not complacency was what the coaching staff were looking for during the training sessions in the week.
Another sunny Saturday announced itself on The Common, and the Club was keen to highlight the pitch-side horsebox set up by The Bird Brew Co, selling hot drinks to spectators, dog-walkers, and passers-by... Would we all get what we wanted?
Frankly, no. But not for want of trying. Marlborough had won the toss and elected to play uphill in the first half – always a good choice! But we started badly, gifting the opposition two penalties inside the first five minutes of the game – the second of which gave St. Austell a first kick at goal, and it was good. Marlborough 0-3 St. Austell.
It was destined to be a fractious game – the penalty count for both sides was far too high and the referee's whistle was getting a severe pounding! The quality of the rugby was decent, by both sides, but the play was being constantly interrupted by the penalties and the referee needing to speak to both teams’ captains, which rather spoilt the spectacle.
Our fly-half, George Shakespeare, kicked us level on twelve minutes with a very fine kick, from some distance and into a strong headwind. Marlborough 3-3 St. Austell. After this it was more of the same until, on 35 minutes, our excellent blind-side flanker, Wate Kuli, fought hard for a great turnover just inside our own half and popped the ball to winger, Akariva Seruvatu. Aka made short work of the opportunity and, side-stepping the opposition, sprinted up the hill to score a tremendous try, right under the posts. The boot of Shakespeare added the extras, and we were looking at a much more comfortable scoreline. Soon afterwards, and with no further score, the referee blew up for half-time.
Half-time score: Marlborough 10-3 St. Austell
Players, coaches, and spectators were all hoping for a better, tidier, and more productive second half. We had the slope and the wind and the lead, and so should have been able to capitalise on the situation. Unfortunately, the second half continued in much the same manner as the first, with penalty after penalty against both teams and more interruptions while the captains were spoken to.
On 48 minutes, St. Austell scored when Marlborough were unable to defend an attacking maul, although this try went unconverted – their kicker now having to battle the strong wind. Ten minutes later, they drew ahead with a well-struck penalty. Marlborough 10-11 St. Austell. More penalties, and Shakespeare opted for another kick at goal on 65 minutes. He booted it cleanly through the uprights and Marlborough went back in front 13-11. The slenderest of leads as the clocked ticked down...
Five minutes from time, a try from St. Austell (let in thanks to some extremely poor Marlborough defence) looked likely to be the winning score, although it went unconverted and so there was still a glimmer of hope. Marlborough 13-16 St. Austell.
Marlborough went all-out to win the game. The forwards tried to batter their way across the line with a series of short pick-and-go moves to no avail. A penalty five metres out gave our immense second-row, Metuisela Vereivalu, a chance to crash over – the referee judged that he was ‘held up’ and so, with shredded nerves, we looked like falling short...
However, another penalty by St. Austell meant that, with the final kick of the game Shakespeare had the chance to level things... and he did so with his customary calmness and accuracy from the tee. Both sides and both sets of supporters breathed great sighs of relief. This had been a messy and disjointed game of rugby, but as they say: “Two points are better than none” and we all moved into the warmth of the Clubhouse for the match tea, awards, and refreshments.
Final score: Marlborough 16-16 St. Austell
The coaches’ and team managers’ assessment:
This was a disappointing display after the win at Bassett last Saturday. Marlborough's inability to adapt to the conditions let the opposition in and our on-pitch decision-making was poor. Akariva Seruvatu (sponsored by Hi-Lite Roof and Gutter Maintenance Ltd) was the Marlborough Player of the Match; however, special mention must be made of George Shakespeare (sponsored by Byzantine Recycling) for another exemplary display of kicking, Kieran Brown (sponsored by Healthily Toned) for his tackling, and Jimbo Lemon for another fine showing at scrum-half.
Photos:
Please see the very fine galleries here on the website, which have some excellent photos of this game
A look forward:
There is no rugby on The Common next Saturday, 1 November. But we are showing the first of the Quilter Autumn International series – England vs. Australia on our BIG screen. Kick-off is at 15:10 but the Clubhouse will be open earlier than that to get the atmosphere and ambience right! See you there!
