Rugby: Marlborough skipper Dave Lemon hailed his team’s determination as they survived a second half onslaught to beat hosts Corsham 2nd on Saturday.

‘Boro dominated the first half to lead 15-5 at the break but Corsham improved dramatically and almost snatched victory at the death when Tom Beard’s penalty drifted just wide.

Number 8 Lemon was full of praise for the way his troops doggedly scrapped out the win and felt they deserved their lucky break at the end.

“We had a bit of a let-off but I told the boys in the huddle afterwards that they had defended their hearts out.

“We showed a lot of pride – if we had lost that one it would have been three losses in our last four games and our season would have been in tatters.

“It was a must-win game and we showed great determination to win it ugly in the end.”

For Corsham’s second string, the match proved a game too far.

Having sandwiched a midweek cup tie against Chippenham in between their league fixtures, Corsham were nursing several injuries.

Johnny Mantle ran in Marlborough’s first try and a second soon followed from Patrick Campbell after a two-yard pick-up from a ruck.

Home No 8 Mick Mealing grabbed a try from a lineout move to cut the deficit and he added another from a pushover in the second half, with young Beard adding the conversion.

The home side camped in the Marlborough half for the last quarter but could find no way through, and a last-gasp penalty attempt from Beard drifted wide as ‘Boro claimed the victory.

Lemon added: “Our first half display was our best this year.”

Third-placed ‘Boro host Supermarine on Saturday.