MARLBOROUGH's dreams of a trip to Twickenham were dashed at the national last-eight stage for the second season in a row as they found Gloucester side Longlevens too hot to handle on Saturday.

The home side booked their place in the semi finals - one win for a place at English rugby's headquarters - with a six-try demolition of Chris Budgen's men, who lost for the first time this season.

The visitors had also bowed out to Gloucestershire opposition in the form of Drybrook at the same stage of the Senior Vase last season and there was to be no fairytake progress for the side, led by Jamie Pittams.

Marlborough were trailing 20-0 at half time and a late flurry of scores wrapped up Longlevens' comfortable triumph.

The Dorset & Wilts Two North leaders made a bad start, spilling the kick-off and conceding a penalty from which Mike Hagan landed the first points.

 

Marlborough then lost Rhys Butler to the sin-bin after an obstruction offence and as the hosts drove forward, Hagan's pass sent Harrison Yorke over for the first try.

A second quickly followed as Jack Beck thrust through the defence, Hagan adding the extras.

The visitors fought back midway through the half, forcing a series of penalties, but they were caught again as Dave Edwards added Longlevens' third try.

Jed Jones' deft handling sent Eddie Cross over for the first try of the second half but, despite losing Jake Kitson to the sin-bin, the home side ended well.

Yorke powered over in the corner and Hagan added a penalty before Beck ploughed through again and Hagan converted.

Marlborough: Nathan Morgan; Hugh Sutcliffe, Nick Clarke, Amori Nailago, Tom Regan; Rhys Butler; Will Grant; Tom Fleming, Adam Whatley, Paul Roberts; Shaun Anderson, Matt Hamblin; Jack Lynd, Will Turner; Jamie Pittams (capt).

Replacements: Dan Porteous, Ben Beanland, Matt Dopson, Taniela Delaitamana. Laurence Baker, Will McWilliam, Matt Stamp.

Referee: Frazer Colley (North Midlands Society).

REACTION TO MARLBOROUGH'S DEFEAT IN THIS WEEK'S GAZETTE & HERALD