MARLBOROUGH went into their Wiltshire Cup game with confidence, and it showed right from the off.

The forwards started off strongly with big hits coming in from Charlie Griffith-Jones, Matt Barker and Liam Steele.

Bassett were put under pressure and eventually lost possession, which the forwards capitalised on, and after a number of phases, Max McGrorty scored in the corner.

In the scrums Bassett were being pushed back with ease and eventually, Marlborough were awarded a scrum on the five metre line and, after a couple of phases, Liam Steele scored under the posts.

Marlborough began to take their foot of the pedal and Bassett scored two tries in quick succession under the posts.

Bassett added a third try to take a 19-12 lead, but after more strong runs from the centres Aidan Good and Harry Shakeshaft, Marlborough were back in the driving seat again.

Harry Cook managed to smash through, leading to a try for Charlie Griffith-Jones with the conversion slotted by fly-half Marco Merlina.

Marlborough’s forwards were still dominating the rucks when the backs ran a move to put wing Michael Loveday in for a try in the corner.

Merlina then slotted a penalty to give his side an eight-point lead with nine minutes left.

Bassett scored a further try under the posots, but Marlborough held out.

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