Marlborough 81-5 Salisbury

1st October 2022 - Salisbury travelled to high flying neighbours Marlborough knowing that they faced another mammoth task.

Marlborough have enjoyed a good start to the season and their temperate climate always ensures a good supply of ball players from the South Pacific.

It was the city side who enjoyed the best start with the pack dominating and forcing the hosts into conceding penalties. A forward drive at the home line was repulsed initially but Salisbury came again and veteran, try machine, Gareth Blackborow burrowed over from fully half a yard out to claim the lead.

Marlborough regrouped and now started to play with discipline and flair. Salisbury worked hard to live with them but three tries saw them trailing at the break.

The second half saw the hosts with the bit between their teeth and the try count grew as Salisbury visibly tired. The resulting score line a testament to the gulf between the sides.

The chastened green and whites will be on the training ground knowing that only a huge improvement in their fitness levels, and a structure to their back play, will be good enough in the visit to Grove.

Report: Neil Tonge

Photos: John Palmer