MARLBOROUGH’S efforts to edge closer to the Southern Counties South title on Saturday came to an abrupt end after they crashed to a 5-31 loss at home to Trowbridge, who claimed the crown themselves.

The visitors put in a strong performance to secure the honours with one game spare.

Despite this, it was Marlborough that made the better start following an early Trowbridge penalty.

Maika Qiolevu executed a strong run before offloading the ball to Ben Fulton, who found Jack King as the home side touched down for their first try of the game.

Hopes of adding to their score received a blow though when the strong-running Fulton was forced off the pitch with an injury in what turned into a physical game.

Trowbridge took full advantage of Fulton’s absence to open up a 16-5 lead by half-time.

Kicking down the slope in the second half, Marlborough pressurised Trowbridge throughout the opening 25 minutes but ultimately failed to break through the visitors’ rugged defence.

Trowbridge soon added to their score and pulled clear in the closing minutes to earn a comfortable 31-5 win.

Marlborough are likely to require a win against Walcot on Saturday to secure a play-off spot.

Elsewhere Devizes welcomed fourth-placed Corsham to the Chivers Ground on Saturday with an eye on ending the season well.

With neither side in danger of relegation or a promotion challenge, Devizes made one change from the team that was beat at Walcot as Harvey Schorah came in for the unavailable Matt Strong.

Scott Martin opened the scoring for Devizes with a well-worked opening try before Corsham responded through Scott Perry, levelling the score.

Frequent errors prevented either side from adding to their tally in the next 10 minutes, however Adam Jamieson bundled over the line from close range following a build-up of pressure in Devizes’ 22. A successful conversion made the score 7-14 at half time.

Corsham’s lead was soon stretched to 14 points when a break in the home side’s 22 saw winger Kalif Barnes cross over.

The try prompted Devizes to make use of Bishop, Bryant and Hammill on the bench.

Determined to secure the bonus point, Corsham were unfortunate to be held up over the try line in the closing minutes.

Devizes added to their tally in the game’s final phase when skipper Gould went on a charging 60 metre run before offloading the ball to Hammill, who comfortably crossed over.

Corsham head coach Tim Draper said: “It was a really good game against a Devizes team that was much stronger than the team we faced at home before Christmas.

“I was really pleased with the way the team responded after going a try down.

“We played some excellent rugby in attack and defence to secure a good result.

“The guys were disappointed not to secure a bonus point, but that’s something we can work on for our last two games.”