MARLBOROUGH continued their unbeaten start and recorded their fifth win in six Southern Counties South matches as they downed former leaders Midsomer Norton to hand a title boost to near neighbours Royal Wootton Bassett.

Norton had won 41-20 in the sides' previous meeting in October, but Marlborough took their revenge to inflict only a second league defeat of the campaign on the Somerset side.

Home scrum half James Farrell controlled the game from the off, commanding his forwards and setting the backs in motion, as well as excellent box kicks.

The first half was tight and the visitors attacked with confidence but Russ Westcott and captain Jonny Mantle defended well to keep it scoreless at the interval.

The home side's front row of Chris Budgen, Darius Hamilton and returning prop Tim Aldridge were in dominant form in the second half, giving their side a superb platform, while Hugo O'Neill and Jamie Pittams enjoyed fine games at the breakdown.

The first score of the game came early in the second half after a darting run by Farrell, Morgan adding the conversion.

Fly-half Amori Nailago kept his backs moving forward with some incisive breaks and next to score was new winger Jake Williams on his debut for the club.

Nailago added a try of his own with some fine foot work and Morgan added the conversion to set the seal on a fine triumph.