MARLBOROUGH finally broke their Davis Wood League Conference North winning duck at the seventh time of asking as they thrashed bottom side Bristol & West 5-1.

After a frustrating start to season in which decent performances had failed to yield results, Marlborough asserted themselves from the opening pushback.

Using a new defensive press devised by player coach Matt Way, they kept their opponents in their own half and under huge amounts of pressure.

After a fortuitous bounce, striker Charley Hoarley slid a precise reverse stick shot in to the bottom corner.

Marlborough pressed on and were rewarded with a second goal from John Bromley.

The second half began with Marlborough looking comfortable and, after more sustained pressure, captain Rich Holman made it 3-0 as a high deflected pass in to the D looped over defenders and Holman audaciously deflected the airborne ball into the bottom-right corner.

Marlborough remained on the attack and were soon awarded a penalty stroke after an illegal goal line stop.

This was put away by Anil Sud, who added his second with a reverse-stick strike after Bristol had struck a consolation.

Devizes secured a hard-fought 4-3 win at Westbury UB in Central One.

The first goal came courtesy of a short-corner deflection and the second with a Roger Edwards drag-flick.

An excellent brace from Matt Roberts secured the win.

Chippenham are still pointless away from home after a 3-1 defeat at Mid Somerset.

Goalkeeper Leo Barker denied the home side on a number of occasions before Chippenham fell behind before half time.

A second goal went in soon after the restart but got a foothold in the match when captain Andy Edwards found James Grantham and he swept the ball across the face of goal for Mark Knight to deflect home at the front post.

With moments left, Mid Somerset scored the decisive third goal.

Wootton Bassett stayed on top of East Central One as Marlborough B were unable to field a side.

Bassett were awarded a 5-0 win, ironically their lowest winning margin to date having scored 59 goals in six matches.

Devizes A stayed on top of East Central Two with a 1-0 victory over West Wilts E.

Toby Benning Batstone scored the winner, sweeping the ball in from close range.

Wootton Bassett B lost 3-1 to West Wilts E, despite a goal from Rob Appleby.

MORE HOCKEY REPORTS & PICTURES IN THURSDAY'S GAZETTE & HERALD