A MISSED penalty in the last minute proved costly for Marlborough as they were narrowly beaten 17-16 in the Dorsey & Wilts Cup final by North Dorset at Salisbury.

North Dorset took an early lead from a catch and drive at a lineout before a tight game was then altered by the sending off of Marlborough prop and head coach Chris Budgen after an intervention by the linesman.

The harsh decision certainly affected the Marlborough set-piece but it is to the credit of the whole team that they were able to compete for the next 60 minutes with an influential player off the pitch.

The only other score of the first half was a penalty by Marlborough full-back Nathan Morgan, which cut the deficit to 5-3 at the break.

The second half remained tight but Marlborough scored next after good work by centre Jamie Laing to set up Pita Robanakadavu.

The winger has shown some great finishing this season and did so again to put the Wiltshire side in front, with Morgan adding the extras.

North Dorset swiftly answered with a try of their own to move 12-10 to the good.

Marlborough stepped up their game once more and Amori Nailago began to get his side going.

He received excellent support from his centres, Laing and Avenai Cakaunitavuki, with the midfield trio playing some superb rugby.

Marlborough were pushing for the next score but they suffered a major setback when a pass from Morgan was intercepted and North Dorset ran in for an unconverted try to extend their advantage to 17-10.

The Marlborough pack had been determined throughout the day and playing with one less player too, the performance of number eight Lario Tuliva deserves huge praise in getting the backs some decent ball to work with.

The work-rate of the team was earning them penalties and Morgan kicked two to bring the scores close at 17-16. In the last minute of the game Marlborough were awarded another penalty to win the game but the strong wind began to hamper Morgan and he sent his kick agonisingly wide of the posts.

A Marlborough spokesman said: “Congratulations go to North Dorset on their cup win and we wish them every success as they progress into the next rounds of the national competition.

“As for Marlborough, we can take huge confidence in the spirit and determination of the side. The team have huge potential and some very exciting players.”