DEVIZES avenged their early-season defeat at the hands of local rivals Marlborough with a closely-fought Southern Counties South success at London Road.

The away side had a couple of late changes to the front row with two players unavailable, the returning Tim Aldridge playing his first full game since injury last season and Adam Whatley being called up from the Nomads game.

The visitors made the stronger start with second row Jack Lynd carrying the ball well but honours were even after the first quarter before Devizes made the breakthrough.

Some superb footwork from scrum-half Rory Brown saw the Devizes man bamboozle three or four Marlborough defenders, before releasing the supporting Lewis Paget, who drew in the last man and played in Chris Barter, who scored out wide, Andy Thompson's conversion hitting the post.

With Devizes' scrum going well, prop Tom Reed showing up well against Marlborough's player-coach Chris Budgen, the hosts could have extended their lead but Thompson missed a further penalty shot.

Eventually though, the home side earned another chance and Thompson took his side eight points clear with a successful kick.

Marlborough had the elements in their favour after the break, but Devizes kept the ball tight through their pack.

But errors from the home side allowed Marlborough to get a foothold in the game, urged on by scrum-half James Farrell .

Fly-half Amori Nailago used the wind well with clever kicking with centre Russ Westcott was quick to chase.

A high kick was fielded by Devizes' Jorge Wadman but carried over his own try line, allowing Marlborough a close-range scrum from which they scored, the ball being moved out by Farrell to Nailago and then on to Garth Bari to go over in the corner.

With Marlborough pushing, Devizes needed to defend well, with Travis Orwin and Wadman strong at the breakdown before a try-saving tackle from Craig Bryant kept the visitors at bay.