CRICKLADE produced an improved performance to defeat Marlborough 33-7 in their Dorset & Wilts Division 1 North encounter.

Straight from the kick-off Cricklade moved into their opponents' half but an early penalty attempt was blown wide. Marlborough responded, but Cricklade's pack held sway in both the set and loose.

Despite this superiority it was not until the 20th minute when Cricklade got their first try through a typical run from Gordon Aitken, Adam Hunter converting in front.

Cricklade should have capitalised on their lead but Marlborough hit back with a converted try of their own to level the scores at half-time.

Marlborough started the second half in determined fashion but they missed an early penalty chance and frustrations spilled over when Cricklade's Mark Hoskins and the Marlborough lock were sin-binned.

Cricklade then stepped up a gear and that resulted in a second try for Simon Howse, Hunter again with the conversion.

Having prospered by spreading the play wide, Cricklade began to tear the stretched Marlborough defence apart and another try for Howse and two more for Aitken to complete his hat-trick.

Hunter converted all but the very last touchdown.