MARLBOROUGH stayed a point clear at the top of Southern Counties South as they secured a bonus-point triumph at the home of local rivals Devizes.

Having defeated the Saddlebacks 31-10 last month, the visitors completed the double as they pulled clear in the second half after Devizes had led for much of the first period.

Marlborough made the better start as got the scoring going early as Sitivieni Uluilakeba crossed in the corner on his first team debut after a fine run by centre Ben Fulton.

However, Devizes fashioned a fine response and although fly-half Rory Brown missed a penalty shot, he made amends moments later and then nudged his side in front with a further kick.

A third Brown kick made it 9-5 to the home side but they were hit just before the interval as Inosi Laqekoro capped a fine first-half performance with a pick up at a ruck and a straight run through the defence to score under the posts, Jake Williams converting for Marlborough.

The visitors started the second half strongly and eventually Devizes ran out of defenders as a good pass from fly-half Amori Nailago gave the backs space and Uluilakeba went over for his second try.

Devizes tried to work their way back into the match but were kept at bay and Marlborough pulled clear in the final 20 minutes.

Nailago scored a superb individual try after 65 minutes, stepping to beat the defence before going over before Epeli Kotobalavu went over from a lineout move.

Flanker Joe Visei ran in for the final try, Williams converting.

Corsham followed up their fine victory over former leaders Sherborne the previous week by edging home 12-10 against Swanage & Wareham at Lacock Road.

The visitors took the lead with an unconverted try but Corsham fought back as scrum-half George Beavis dived over from a push over scrum, Kalif Barnes converting.

Swanage dominated the second half territorially and the worsening conditions suited their tight driving game.

They went into the lead with a second try but Corsham showed good character to fight back again, with Alex Twigg going over for a try from a driving lineout.

Corsham head coach Tim Draper said: "We had to make a number of changes this week and a number of players stepped up from the second team.

"They all played well and it shows the strength in depth that is building at the club.

"The second team are dominating their league (Dorset & Wilts Three North) this season and it's great to see some of their regular players contributing so well in the first team when given the opportunity.''