The Junior Colts A XV was a pale shadow of its earlier self on Saturday, deservedly suffering a heavy defeat at Marlborough as a consequence.

The first half made for particularly difficult viewing as we granted our hosts almost total control of possession and the freedom of the pitch in which to use it. Marlborough needed no second invitation, running in five tries, as they raced into a 31-0 lead at the interval. Rugby is an unforgiving sport at the best of times, but all the more so when the basics of ball retention and tackling are neglected, and the game was - sadly - over as a genuine contest by the break.

Two further quick tries after the restart extended the home lead to 43 points before, somewhat belatedly, Sherborne started to put together some phases of their own. Two scores - both converted – resulted, and there might well have been a third, but there were also two more from our opponents, leading to a final margin which in no way flattered them. With a couple of injuries to contend with as well, our bedraggled departure from Wiltshire rather resembled Napoleon's troops staggering back from Moscow.

But of course, we live to fight another day... and, specifically, that day is Wednesday, when we play host to Canford in round 3 of the National Cup. Kick-off will be at 2.30pm on The Upper; do join us if you can.