MARLBOROUGH maintained their pursuit of Dorset & Wilts One North leaders Combe Down with another comprehensive win.

A good catch and drive and break by prop Paul Roberts before the ball was moved and Joe Mitchell powered home, full-back Nathan Morgan adding the conversion.

Mitchell then won the ball at a ruck, leading to centre Amori Nailago breaking through for a score in his first start of the season, Morgan again converting.

Marlborough’s powerful rucking continued to cause issues for the home side, Adam Whatley forcing a penalty that scrum-half Liam Macdonald took quickly and sent Laurence Baker down the wing.

He found Nailago, whose stylish flick-pass sent Jamie Cresswell over, Morgan nailing his third conversion.

Fairford hit back with a try and Marlborough’s ill-discipline was then punished with Tom Fleming sent to the sin-bin after a push, then centre Waisale Navunidakua following him for tackling with using his arms.

The 13 men didn’t concede however and, when Fleming returned, a quick throw-in by Baker set up Mitchell, who was held just short, but sent Cresswell over for his second.

The second half brought an early try with number eight and captain Alex Roper picking up at the base of a ruck to run in.

A charge down by Jonny Mantle allowed him to dive on the ball and add another score before a pass through the legs from Mitchell set up Navunidakua to touch down.

Fly-half Russ Westcott got in on the scoring with a strong run past two players and under the posts, a try he converted.

Fairford scored a penalty try byt the final score came as Navunidakua went on a superb line, Westcott adding the extras.