Marlborough thrash Trowbridge to reach top of Southern Counties South as Devizes are held by Combe Down

Having suffered Dorset & Wilts Cup defeat to their west Wiltshire rivals two weeks previously, Chris Budgen's men were keen on avenging that reverse but it was Trowbridge that made the better start, kicking a penalty.

Marlborough did manage to force their way upfield and a good break by Ratu Vuira resulted in the ball reaching scrum-half James Farrell, who stepped the defender to go over, full-back James Clancy adding the conversion.

Trowbridge responded though, increasing the pressure and scoring a converted try of their own.

A controversial moment followed as centre Russ Westcott, expressing his annoyance at being caught for offside at a kick, was sent off for bad language but despite being down to 14 men the home team were starting to get a good foothold in the game.

Farrell was supplying goof ball for fly-half Amori Nailago who made some excellent breaks and, as half-time approached, a further home penalty made the score 10-10.

The second half saw the Marlborough backs really open up.

Waisale Navunidakua scored after a fine running line through the defence before Avenai Cakaunitavuki scored wide out on the left wing again after some excellent midfield passing.

Props Lotu Ngungutau and Darius Hamilton also got in on the scoring, while Navunidakua added a second.

Clancy booted five second-half conversions, with Trowbridge responding with an interception try.

Devizes' bid for a first win of the season fell just short as they were held 17-17 by Bath side' Combe Down at London Road.

For much of the first half, Devizes were in control and were deservedly in front through tries from Rory Brown and Andy Thompson, with both tries converted by Thompson.

Down responded with a try of their own to keep them in touch going into the second half.

The second half started in the same vein before a fracas ensued between Devizes and Combe Down players.

The referee sin-binned Tim Alchin and a Combe Down player for their involvement and also sent off Travis Orwin, showing the Devizes centre a straight red.

With the numerical advantage Down were on the front foot as second row Lewis Paget was sent to the sin bin, reducing Devizes in number again.

The visitors responded with a second try and then a penalty to lead but Thompson's kicking boots brought him a drop goal to tie the scores.