TROWBRIDGE U11s put their unbeaten record to the test against both Melksham and Devizes, two sides whom they had not played for a couple of years.

With all sides depleted due to Remembrance Sunday, the Trowbridge team was tested by two very committed sides.

The opening game against Devizes was full blooded with the rucking being well contested.

However, in contrast to recent games, Trowbridge scored first on a very short pitch with a well-taken try by Daniel Marsh-Jones.

Devizes replied almost immediately, before further driving play from the fired-up Trowbridge side started to take the game away from Devizes.

David Philips continued his good form this season before Jacob Marshman barged his way over.

Devizes refused to lie down, scoring again through their skillful scrum-half who proved a thorn in the side of Trowbridge all game.

Trowbridge persisted in trying to run the ball being rewarded with another try before half time through emerging try machine Scott Baker.

In the second half Trowbridge forwards exerted increasing control, allowing their backs more time on the ball.

Scoring opened with another trademark Jacob Marshman try, going over from short range.

This was followed by another score for Scott Baker, taking advantage of a great kick from scrum-half Jamie Howell.

Devizes replied, but having seen the vulnerability of the opposition to kicks behind them, further tries from crosskicks followed, by Baker and Will Stockley.

These were divided by a peach of a try with a switch move resulting in a touchdown for Adam Gordon.

Great tackling, notably with big hits from Ryan Deeley and Jamie Howell, snuffed out the threat from Devizes.

However, it was the constant direct running and strong scrummaging from the big Trowbridge forwards that eventually softened up their opponents, providing time for the backs to shine.

The front row of Marco Lopez, George Gerrish and Jacob Marshman dominated the opposition as did the second row of Daniel Marsh-Jones and Haydn Brooks as Trowbridge ran out 45-15 winners.

The second game against Melksham followed after a short break.

It was clear from the opening exchanges that Melksham were fired up, challenging the Trowbridge team in rucks and mauls with fierce tackling.

The Trowbridge team was changed from the first game, with Sam Gibbons at scrum-half efficiently clearing the ball from the scrums as well as renewed front row of Marco Lopez, Kieran Bancroft and Luke Dobson, backed by a second row of Daniel Marsh-Jones and Ben Bishop.

Melksham drew first blood with a well-taken try in the left hand corner, which served to focus the Trowbridge team effort.

They fell back to the strength of the team, with good driving play from the forwards with Marsh-Jones, Bishop and Dobson notable.

This resulted in a try for Marco Lopez after a few opportunities were unsuccessful, followed by a Marsh-Jones try as he reached over for his second score of the day.

Melksham were unable to breach the Trowbridge defence in the second half.

With a realigned backline, the game settled into a pattern with the Trowbridge forwards slowly squeezing the Melksham efforts.

Jacob Marshman went over for his third try of the day followed by another from try machine Scott Baker for a 20-5 win, stretching their unbeaten run to nine games, with 322 points scored and only 51 conceded.

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