Sun 14 Dec 2025, 15:00
We welcomed North Dorset to The Common on Sunday 14 December, for what would be the first meeting between these two sides. It was a clear dry day and a physical and tense game was played out.
Both teams put huge shifts in with each side's defences proving each other's equal. North Dorset found the chance to get on the scoreboard with the last play of the half after a 5-metre line-out...
Half-time score: Marlborough Rugby Under 14s 0-5 North Dorset RFC Under 14s
'The Stags' (as the Marlborough boys call themselves) were confident that they could overturn the deficit and, after conceding a breakaway try from the kick off to go 10 points down, spent most of the second half attacking downhill and camped in North Dorset's half. North Dorset put in plenty of ferocious tackling, but were short of numbers to prevent our prop, Riley, scoring with a majestic dive over the line on the wing!
Some dropped balls meant a couple of chances went begging before top try scorer, Alex, held onto one and got on the team sheet to draw us level. In a tense final few minutes our pack kept on plugging away at a stout North Dorset defence in their 22, until finally we were able to release James on the wing to score the definitive score in the second to last play of the game.
Final score: Marlborough Rugby Under 14s 15-10 North Dorset RFC Under 14s
Our thanks to North Dorset for a competitive game and we look forward to travelling to them in March for a return fixture.
Our man of the match was Bertie at blindside flanker; his red scrum cap was all over the pitch making tackles, trucking the ball up, and in most rucks. And our 'moments of the match' go to Riley for his score in the corner and to Freddie for a try-saving tackle in the second half when North Dorset had a rare attacking opportunity.
Well done everyone!
Below: a tremendous shot showing the intensity of the action!
