DESPITE making a number of changes, champions Corsham had enough in reserve for the basement club and concluded their league campaign with a resounding victory.

They didn't have things all their own way and Marlborough's spirited performance at least gave the relegated club some consolation in what has been a demanding season.

After withstanding an early spell of pressure, Marlborough made the most of some lacklustre tackling to open the scoring through impressive number eight Rob Latham and Jonathan Crowe converted.

Stand-in scrum-half Denzil Brockhurst reduced the deficit when he was bundled over after a tap penalty move, and he then turned provider for Frenchman Julien Minier to cross, his last league try before a summer move back to Brittany.

Brockhurst added the extra two points to give the visitors a 12-7 lead at the break.

Corsham's strength and fitness told in the second half as they ran in a further five tries through skipper Ian McNerlin (2), centre Nick Denham and prop Steve Bailey, with Brockhurst kicking the balance.

As Marlborough prepare for life in the restructured lower leagues, Corsham are still searching for a mentor to hopefully consolidate their position in Southern Counties rugby next season following the resignation of head coach Nev Smith.

The club will soon be scheduling interviews for the post, and anyone still interested in a role with the club should either write to Corsham Rugby Club, Lacock Road, Corsham, Wilts SN13 9QG.

For further details contact Smith on 07773 280632.

CORSHAM'S second string inflicted a first Bath Combination 2nd XV Merit Table defeat on Wootton Bassett on Saturday at Lacock Road.

Bassett dominated a scoreless first half but could find no way through the home side's sterling defences.

The visitors then suffered a setback early in the second half when skipper Rob May suffered a broken leg in a tackle.

He was taken to hospital and had an operation on Sunday to repair the double break.

After a 20-minute delay, play resumed and Bassett took the lead with a penalty.

A spirited Corsham, though, snatched a late try as a quick Craig Avent tap penalty resulted in Charlie Minty crossing the line.

And Corsham, with two games remaining, now have the chance of finishing runners-up to last Saturday's opponents.