MARLBOROUGH’S defence excelled as their flawless record in Dorset & Wilts Two North continued at The Common.

The home side were weakened by a number of injuries, suspensions and unavailabilities but their scrum dominated while the defending, in particular of centres Hugh Sutcliffe and Will Turner, kept Bassett at bay.

While captain Jamie Pittams won good lineout ball, fly-half Rhys Butler had a good game, breaking the first tackle on a number of occasions.

The tries flowed and returning flanker Tauyavu Bativagone scored four of them.

Full back Nathan Morgan added another 18 points, via two tries and four conversions to his season’s total of 281 points.

Flanker and vice captain Jonny Mantle scored and centre Sutcliffe also got in on the act, while Will McWilliam shone in his first game at scrum-half.

MORE RIGBY REPORTS, REACTION & PICTURES IN THURSDAY'S GAZETTE & HERALD