Top row (l-r): A Dunlop, T Echesortu. Row two: A Lynas, H Jervis, F Walsh. Row three: J Mellor, J Clarke, P Mitchell, M Koe. Row four: O Addison, C Pascoe (c), S Matanle, E Faulkner. Stood left: H Harris, A Macleod, C Norman. Stood right: E Herrod-Taylor, J Bradby, N Lawrence. Seated: T Foot, B Gibson, R Lorimer.

A FIRST Team of the Month award for Marlborough, who, under No 8 Charlie Pascoe, made their finest start to a season in living memory.

Wins at Monmouth and Clifton, home wins against Wellington College and Bryanston, and a defeat of Sherborne at neutral Newbury capped a terrific run.

A faultless kicking performance from fly-half Charlie Norman, and late try by openside Sam Matanle, sealed a 19-10 win at Monmouth.

Two tries by centre Elliott Herrod-Taylor and one by Matanle then claimed Marlborough’s first win over Bryanston since 1993.

The reinstatement of the Wellington fixture after five years gave Marlborough the chance to edge home 10-5, playing clinical counter-attacking rugby for wing Josh Clarke to grab two tries.

Marlborough were guests at Clifton College’s sesquicentenary celebrations and the 148th anniversary of this first-ever English inter-school fixture.

They regained the Governor’s Cup courtesy of tries by scrum-half Jack Bradby and flanker Hugo Harris in front of a 2,000-strong crowd that included England coach Stuart Lancaster.

Sherborne were beaten 17-8 under the Newbury lights thanks to four Norman penalties and a try from lock Hector Jervis.

Resolute defence is a hallmark of the side coached by Charlie Harrison, as well as their ambition and ability to take chances from all parts of the pitch.

This article appeared in the December 2012 issue of Rugby World Magazine.

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