Sat 24 Oct 2026, 15:00
The Marlborough 1st XV continued its impressive run of form with a fourth consecutive victory, overcoming
Keynsham 30–14 on The Common on Saturday 24 October, in conditions that tested the resolve of both players and
supporters alike. With Storms Austin and Boelo seemingly determined to make their presence felt, driving
rain and strong winds ensured this would be a contest decided by grit, determination and the ability to
adapt.
The opening exchanges were understandably cautious, with both sides using their kicking games to gain
territory. George Shakespeare was particularly effective in finding space behind the Keynsham defence
and sometimes in front of it. The visitors responded with some intelligent kicking of their own.
Marlborough were forced into an early front-row change after just nine minutes, but this did little to
disrupt a pack that would go on to dominate the scrum throughout the afternoon. Strong carries from
Arthur Allen helped establish early momentum, and a well-placed Shakespeare kick took Marlborough
deep into the Keynsham 22. A series of powerful phases from Charlie Ladds and Chaz Kindlon, along with
a driving maul, brought the home side agonisingly close to the opening score, only for Keynsham to hold
firm. Another dominant scrum earned a penalty, and Marlborough again kicked to the corner, with the
resulting catch and drive held up over the line.
Having absorbed the early pressure, the visitors began to enjoy a spell of possession, spending a
prolonged period camped inside the Marlborough 22. However, the home defence was equally
impressive, showing the organisation, physicality and determination that have become hallmarks of the
side's recent performances.
Leading by example was Tevita Tuisue, who delivered a masterclass in low, effective tackling, chopping
down Keynsham's ball carriers time and again, with not a single missed tackle all afternoon. After 25
minutes of fiercely contested rugby, Shakespeare finally broke the deadlock with a well-struck penalty to
give Marlborough a deserved 3–0 lead.
The increasingly difficult conditions made the lineout a challenge for both sides, but the commitment
and physicality on display ensured the contest remained fiercely competitive. Keynsham eventually
found a way through, using a series of strong forward carries to cross for a converted try and take a 3–7
lead into the interval. Despite trailing at half-time, Marlborough had shown plenty of encouraging signs,
particularly through their dominance at the scrum and their willingness to compete for every inch of
territory.
Whatever was said at half-time clearly had the desired effect, as Marlborough emerged with renewed
energy and purpose, immediately taking control of the contest. Straight from the restart, Shakespeare
produced a beautifully timed inside ball to John Davetanivalu (JD), who burst through the Keynsham
defence to score a superb try, with Shakespeare adding the conversion to restore Marlborough's lead.
With JD leaving the field shortly afterwards, Will Grant entered the action and brought some excellent
game management, using his tactical kicking to keep Keynsham pinned deep inside their own territory.
As the weather continued to deteriorate, Marlborough's forwards rose to the challenge, delivering another
commanding performance at scrum time and providing the platform for the backs to play in the right
areas of the pitch. That pressure eventually told when Asesela Taivoce (Tai) powered over in the corner,
with Shakespeare adding an excellent conversion to extend the lead to 20–7.
Tai, however, wasn't quite finished entertaining the bedraggled crowd. Picking up the ball between
Keynsham's 10 and 22, the front-row forward produced another remarkable break, leaving
defenders trailing behind him and, perhaps more importantly, James Marshall (Marlborough's
linesman for the game) once again struggling to keep up. Having been comprehensively outpaced
by Tai against Old Centralians the previous week, Marshall might reasonably have hoped that
particular embarrassment was behind him. Unfortunately, Tai clearly hadn't received the memo.
Two games, two footraces and two convincing victories for the prop. At this rate, Marshall may be
better off investing in a stopwatch and accepting a permanent role as Tai's personal linesman.
Marlborough continued to control territory, with Grant's intelligent kicking forcing the visitors into
difficult positions and eventually earning another penalty, which Shakespeare calmly converted to
extend the advantage to 23–7.
To their credit, Keynsham continued to battle and were rewarded when a well-collected restart and
some determined forward play resulted in a converted try, reducing the deficit to 23–14. With the
visitors sensing an opportunity, Marlborough were forced to demonstrate the defensive resilience
and composure that have been so important during their recent winning run. The home side
responded superbly, regaining control of possession, working their way back into the opposition's
territory and producing another well-earned try, converted by Shakespeare, to put the result
beyond doubt.
The final whistle confirmed a thoroughly deserved 30–14 victory and, perhaps more importantly, a
fourth consecutive win for a Marlborough side that continues to grow in confidence and belief. In
conditions that demanded character as much as quality, the players delivered both, with a
dominant forward performance, intelligent game management and some excellent individual
contributions. Four wins on the bounce, a flying prop and a squad building real momentum. There's
plenty to be excited about at The Common, and if Tai keeps running like that, we might need to
start charging Marshall for the best seat in the house!
The debrief after the game was one that echoed what the Marlborough faithful felt whilst watching
the game. As the coaches passed on their praise to the boys, there was a "top performance" from
Andy Evans and a "great result achieved considering the harsh conditions and to remain unbeaten
at home – we keep building" from Head Coach Matt Garvey.
Player of the match was obviously awarded to Asesela Taivoce, who was congratulated by Dave
Pittams, who also happens to be his sponsor, DR & RA Pittams.
Please see the gallery of photos elsewhere on the website, and please note that this match report and some photos as well as a ton more information about everything going on at the Club can be seen in this weekend's match-day programme here: 31 October match-day programme
