Sat 8 Nov 2025
It had been an exceedingly difficult week on the availability front with disruption to mid-week training, which cumulated in an extremely difficult and uncomfortable match at Brixham RFC.
To field two teams this weekend was a real challenge – the senior squad is beset with numerous injuries and non-availability issues; all of which was compounded by two last-minute withdrawals, which saw an already under-strength 1st XV board the coach for the long trip to Devon... only 16 players on the team sheet!
So, no backs or front row replacement and James Harden manfully stepping up to cover the bench, albeit he was himself carrying an injury. There were five players under 20 in the starting XV, with Chas Kindlon (lock) and Max Khawaja (wing) making their 1st team debuts and Vili Vunipola making his first start.
The problem was aggravated when Vunipola, playing at full-back, had to leave the field with concussions after just ten minutes of play! This resulted in some rapid re-alignment of the team, whilst in action – not an insignificant task to achieve!
Our winger, Akariva Seruvatu, moved to cover the full-back position; utility back-rower, Tevita Tuisue, pushed out onto the wing; and the plucky Harden came on into the back-row. The bench was now empty. Brixham capitalised magnificently on Marlborough's misfortune...
Half-time score: Brixham 42-0 Marlborough
Although we were now facing an uphill battle, and even though Brixham had a solid defence, we could and should have done better. No excuses. Although the midfield had not played together before, it is inexplicable why their individual performances were so lacklustre. Poor defending left the young winger and the back row now having to play on the wing far too exposed. There were too many first-up tackles missed, which allowed Brixham to get over the gain line repeatedly, and to exploit in depth consistently and with constant reward. It was all one-way traffic for the Fishermen...
Final Score: Brixham 71-0 Marlborough
The coaches’ and team managers’ assessment:
Elisi Vunipola and Dave Pittams report honestly. They describe a very sobering afternoon for the men of Marlborough. It highlights that when there are injuries and significant non-availability, we lack the kind of strength in depth to be able to cope with the better teams at Regional 1 (Level 5).
With a score line of 71-0 it maybe clutching at straws a little to try and find signs of encouragement. But there were a few:
- The line-out worked well and we won 100% of our own ball, actually stealing a couple of Brixham throw-ins
- Young Chas Kindlon really stepped up – there can be no criticism of his performance: all tackles made; two decent carries; all his line-out jumps won
- The scrums were very solid, the front row in particular: having Lemeki Moala back makes a massive difference, but Nichaiah Boynton and Jacob Te Rangi are coming on in leaps & bounds. Enormous credit should go to the three of them - with no subs on the bench and Brixham able to rotate their players numerous times, our boys scrummaged admirably
- It was unfortunate for the young Max Khawaja: the poor midfield defence at times left him desperately exposed, but when he got the chance, he showed glimpses of what Marlborough Rugby can look forward to in the future
Please have a look at the photos taken by a local-to-Brixham photographer here: Brixham Rugby 2025-2026 by Kebnoa Photography
They are one-sided in that they focus on the Brixham players, but they capture the game fabulously...!
Above: Max Khawaja
Below: Chas Kindlon
