Sat 10 Oct 2026, 15:00
With thanks to Richard Purchse (Vice-Chair) and Neil Goodwin (Marlborough News):
Marlborough Rugby vs. Longlevens RFC
A tough but even first half where tries were traded and the half-time score was 26-26. Marlborough were playing ‘up the hill’ so that boded well for the second half, where the slope (and wind) were in Marlborough’s favour.
The first try was scored after only five minutes and was duly converted but a couple of minutes later Longlevens scored to make to 7 v 5. Twelve mins in and George Shakepeare takes a brilliant interception which is kicked forward to a try which he converted. Marlborough play with purpose – always more difficult when against the wind and slope – but soon concede a try which is converted.
Midway through the half Longlevens score again 14 v 19 but just over 5 minutes later Aka scores again in the corner (lead pic) but unfortunately George Shakepeare couldn’t kick a very difficult chance from the touchline and against the strong and gusty wind. 19 v 19 before just before half time and a bit against the run of play, Marlborough push Longlevens back at a scrum and charge down their clearance kick for James Marshall to score a very opportunistic try. Half-time within touching distance, a yellow card, then a penalty against for offside which Longlevens take quickly and score under the posts.
Half-time score 26 v 26
Shortly after the resumption George Shakepeare kicks a penalty – not an easy one so well slotted! Shortly followed by a second yellow card against, just as the first carded player is about to return. Longlevens score from the penalty associated with the card. Score – 29 v 33.
Playing with both the slope and the wind Marlborough score again and the try is converted. – 36 v 33. Despite giving away a lot of penalties and being marched back by the referee for backchat on a couple of occasions the home team hold firm. To secure the victory in almost the final minute Marlborough are awarded a penalty which is slotted between the posts by fly half George Shakespeare.
Full-time score 39 v 33
Many congratulations to the joint Man of the Match recipients – Ed Mills and Arthur Allen.
P.S. the final score showing on the RFU's website is 37-33 - we are checking...!
