MARLBOROUGH concluded an excellent Southern Counties South campaign by finishing fifth after a 38-28 triumph over North Dorset at The Common on Saturday.

The hosts made a fine start to the game, fast and flowing rugby setting their backline away.

Three early tries followed from Sam Gouldbourn, Jake Williams and Ratu Vuira, with scrum-half Jake Williams converting twice.

North Dorset came charging back with a brace of converted tries to cut the gap to five points, but Marlborough began the second period in a similar vein to the first.

Number eight Inosi Laqekoro's powerful running continued to cause problems and Gouldbourn scored his second try.

There were also two scores for Jack Lynd, with Williams landing two more conversions before North Dorset added two more late converted tries to earn a bonus point.

Devizes ended the campaign a place below Marlborough in the table after a five-try 35-0 home defeat by Trowbridge on Saturday.

Prior to the match, Devizes paid tribute to former club legend Vince Gaiger with a tree planting ceremony in memory of the former Bath and Devizes player, committee member and local businessman who passed away last year.

A commemorative plaque was also presented to the Gaiger family.