In a nail-biting return leg against Marlborough College, Sherborne faced a determined opponent fresh from a tour of Italy. Despite the challenge, Sherborne began confidently, shaking off any post-half-term rust. Their early pressure won them a penalty, calmly slotted by Edwin L to open the scoring. However, a lapse in focus from the restart allowed Marlborough a quick counter, resulting in a well-executed driving maul try, which shifted the momentum to the visitors at 3-5.

Sherborne's response was electrifying, setting up one of their most coordinated team tries of the season. Will H’s crucial turnover on the halfway line sparked a fluid attack. Moving the ball from one edge to the other, with Myles BH, Ali D, and Archie N linking up smoothly, Sherborne surged into Marlborough’s 22. Though Ali D was halted close to the line, quick ball movement to the opposite wing saw Ali RT cross for a well-earned try, converted by Edwin to regain the lead at 10-5.

Marlborough, however, struck back almost immediately. A good exit by Sherborne pushed Marlborough to halfway, but some defensive slips allowed the visitors to exploit space on the return kick, putting them ahead once again at 10-12. As the game grew more intense, Sherborne found themselves with chances inside Marlborough’s 22. But, despite building pressure, missed chances kept them from capitalising. Marlborough took advantage, setting up another driving maul and extending their lead to 10-21.

Just before half-time, Sherborne clawed back a crucial try. Off a scrum, the backs executed a textbook move, with Jem L charging into the 10/12 channel and offloading to Ben D, who scored from five metres out. Half-time arrived with Sherborne narrowing the gap to 17-21.

Second Half: The Tension Mounts

The second half saw both sides wrestle for control, each pushing into the other's half. Sherborne struck first. Gaining ground in Marlborough's 22, Sherborne’s unyielding pressure forced a penalty. Setting up a maul, Will H broke off to power over the line, edging Sherborne back into the lead at 22-21.

Marlborough responded swiftly, capitalising on some missed tackles to find their way deep into Sherborne’s half. After a series of close-range attempts, their forwards drove over to retake the lead, 22-28. Sherborne, undeterred, pressed forward. Edwin slotted a penalty to bring it to 25-28, but Marlborough answered with a penalty of their own, widening the gap to 25-31 with five minutes left on the clock.

Refusing to back down, Sherborne launched a final assault. Moving the ball into the wide channels, they created a chance for Jem L, who cut through the defence to score. Edwin’s conversion was good, putting Sherborne back in front at 32-31 in a thrilling last-gasp effort.

But Marlborough wasn’t finished. In the dying minutes, they earned a penalty, narrowly reclaiming the lead at 32-34. Sherborne fought for every inch in the final seconds and earned one last shot after a Marlborough infringement in their half. Edwin stepped up for a challenging 44-metre kick, which grazed just wide in an agonisingly close finish.

Final Score: Sherborne 32 - 34 Marlborough College

A thrilling, end-to-end contest that showcased Sherborne’s fighting spirit and resilience, leaving the crowd on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.