TROWBRIDGE coach Dan Jeffries reflected on a pleasing fifth Southern Counties South success on the trot as Marlborough dispatched 43-20 - but admitted the match's opening phase had left him concerned.

Former league leaders Marlborough, for whom it was a fifth successive defeat, were eventually subdued but only after an opening 10 minutes that saw them roar into a 10-point lead at Doric Park.

The home side hit back to hold a 15-point lead by half-time and ended as comfortable victors but Jeffries conceded: "We made a pretty slow start and I thought it might end up being one of those days.

"But the boys worked hard to get it right and we're really happy with the win, especially after that start.''

The visitors' superb start to the contest saw James Clancy boot a penalty after two minutes, then convert after Jake Williams had pounced on a loose ball and fed Russ Westcott, whose pass sent Michael Sims down the wing for a try.

Trowbridge hit back with a couple of converted scores from flanker Matt Howard and number eight Adam Sullivan, both converted by Tom Weaver, to seize the lead and, with Marlborough guilty of losing the ball in contact, an interception score from James Davies, again converted by Weaver, took them further ahead.

Clancy booted a penalty but a further converted try from the hosts' George Leat took them 28-13 clear at the break.

Trowbridge added to their lead 10 minutes into the second half with a penalty from Weaver but Marlborough responded when Inosi Laqekoro forceful run found Williams in support for the try, Clancy adding the extras.

Marlborough pushed to get themselves further back into the game, but Trowbridge added a further two tries from Johnny King and Davies, who himself added one conversion, to wrap up their bonus-point triumph.