MARLBOROUGH edged out Frome in a tight Southern Counties South battle for the second time this season.

The initial stages saw some fine running rugby from the home team's backs who were looking to spread the ball wide at every opportunity, despite playing into the conditions of a strong wind and the Common's slope.

An infringement by Marlborough meant that Frome took an early lead through penalty.

The home team responded with some good backs play and Avenai Cakaunitavuki was able to beat his opposite number to score an unconverted try.

The only other score of the first half went to the visitors with another penalty.

The second half saw Marlborough dominate more and more at the set piece with an impressive scrum andthe lineout working as well as it has all season.

As the game got more tight and more tense it became bad-tempered.

The dominant home scrummage was telling and from one five-metre scrum, number eight Jamie Pittams was able to pick up and charge over for what was the crucial score.

Garth Bari kicked the extras for a 12-6 lead and Marlborough's defence held firm.