RUGBY: Trowbridge 12 Marlow 25 (From Wiltshire Times)

RUGBY: Trowbridge 12 Marlow 25

9:11am Monday 8th February 2010

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TROWBRIDGE lost for the first time at Green Lane since September when they were beaten by a Marlow side who stand second in South West One East.

The home side's injuries continue to grow and for this match they were without skipper Lloyd Davis who was seriously injured in an accident at work last Wednesday.

Davis is in the burns unit at Frenchay Hospital where he will remain for several weeks.

He is responding to treatment but will not play rugby again before the end of the year.

The Green Lane side were also without another county player as second row Nick Lawes was injured in the Salisbury match the previous week and was replaced by young James Rowland.

The well-drilled Marlow forwards had the edge after a bright start from Trowbridge did not trouble the scorers.

They pressured the Trowbridge line and scored two early tries.

Second row Ben Phillips found a way through the Trowbridge defence and then a catch and drive move well marshalled by their coach and ex England number eight Chris Sheasby from 30 metres out resulted in prop Dan Gillespie going over.

Trowbridge continued to defend but, after 25 minutes, a move from the visitors broke down when Trowbridge wing Kyle Knight intercepted a Marlow pass and made ground before feeding inside to centre Joe Knight who sprinted over for a try.

While scoring he was recklessly kicked by the Marlow right wing, but this was not seen by the referee. However, after attention he was able to continue and Ashley Chalk converted to bring the score to 10-7. This score was against the run of play but gave the home side more confidence, especially as both the Marlow scorers went down injured several times during this period.

Gillespie had to leave the field with a rib injury and was replaced by Phillips in the front row, but it was clear that he was also injured.

He continued there with some discomfort and this affected the forward exchanges, allowing Trowbridge to increase their possession.

Just before the interval, though, Marlow increased their lead when left wing Chris Ellis finished a backs move, going over in the corner.

Trowbridge were a little flattered by the score at this stage as none of the Marlow tries were converted.

The Marlow scrum continued to struggle in the second half as a result of their injuries but they were able to create chances.

They worked a move that allowed Ellis to make an outside break. He beat Craig Thompson who was covering from the other wing and scored.

Marlow then used their second replacement when Phillips finally had to leave the field on the stroke of 60 minutes and uncontested scrums was immediately called as they had no other front row player.

Centre Miles Noble scored another try for the Buckinghamshire visitors and again there was no conversion.

Trowbridge did rally towards the end of the game but the Marlow defence held firm until a series of forward droves resulted in prop Sean Jones forcing his way over late in the game.

Trowbridge visit Swanage & Wareham on Saturday and the Bestwall side will be keen to gain revenge for the 24-17 Trowbridge victory at Green Lane in October.

MORE RUGBY REPORTS & PICTURES IN FRIDAY'S WILTSHIRE TIMES

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