Royal Wootton Bassett tasted victory on the road in the derby against Marlborough to claim the bragging rights in a 26-14 win.

Bassett kicked off with the advantage of the slope and immediately went on the attack. Marlborough conceded a number of penalties as they defended their line. A further penalty in the fifth minute saw quick-thinking Mitchell Gough spot the gap and a tap and dive saw Bassett open the scoring.

Marlborough’s penalty count continued to mount and in the tenth minute, Marlborough second-row Sione Tamale saw yellow for an offence at the breakdown.

Despite this Marlborough began to go on the offensive but Bassett were moving the ball at pace. In the 25th minute Tamale received a second yellow for another technical offence and Marlborough were down to 14 for the remainder of the game.

Marlborough were using their big pack to attempt to pressure the Bassett line but the Bassett defence was firm and there was no further score in the half.

Marlborough started in determined fashion and were using their big runners to effect. Bassett were defending well but eventually, Marlborough went over under the posts with a try from Halani Aulika.

Within five minutes a loose pass on the halfway line was seized on by centre Woody Walker who outpaced the defence to score in the corner. The conversion was missed but Bassett had restored their lead.

Bassett were moving the ball at every opportunity as the Marlborough forwards appeared to tire. In the 55th minute, the ball was flung the width of the pitch. Walker fed Henry Toomer who rounded the defence. Floyd struck a great conversion to extend the Bassett lead to 19-7.

Marlborough immediately struck back when Kevin Tuaimei’api went over for a converted try.

Both sides were now looking for a potential winning try in what was a compelling game of community rugby.

Bassett were reduced to 14 when Floyd was booked. With ten minutes remaining a Bassett drive saw Floyd go over for the bonus point try immediately after his return.

A great final ten minutes saw a number of chances for both sides but there was no further score.

Bassett will be thrilled to have secured the points in a great match against a Marlborough side that are likely to prove difficult to beat this season. Both sides now have a rest weekend with Bassett resuming with a home fixture to Lydney from the Forest of Dean.