MARLBOROUGH claimed the scalp of yet another league high-flyer on Saturday, and in doing so took another step closer to automatic promotion.

The game was a carbon copy of the black and ambers' famous victory over Cricklade three weeks ago, not only in terms of the identical scoreline, but also Tom Payne and his Wilkinsonesque right boot being hero of the hour; the nail-biting finish; and the favourites' desperation not to lose to the underdogs.

Hungerford were keen to repeat their 34-0 humiliation of Marlborough in the second game of the season, while Marlborough were equally keen to avenge the defeat and build upon their continuously improving form over the season.

Hungerford came out of the blocks looking to stamp their authority on the game. This early pressure resulted in a try in the corner in the 10th minute. The conversion attempt was not successful. Marlborough stepped-up their game and spent the next ten minutes deep in Hungerford's half and putting extreme pressure on the home side, the forwards, particularly through the ferocious rucking and ball carrying of Simon Borthwick, Kevin Clancy, Mark Adams, and John Quinn providing a solid platform and retaining bags of valuable possession.

Eventually, flanker Kevin Clancy took a pass at pace and at a great angle and broke for the line. He touched down after breaking through two poor tackles. This try too was, unusually for the accurate boot of full back Tom Payne, unconverted.

Marlborough increased their lead further in the 28th minute when the referee awarded a penalty for not releasing the ball on the ground. This time Payne was on target with a superb kick against the wind. Despite a Hungerford counter-attack, Marlborough retained the lead of 8-5 at half time.

Play resumed, at a frenetic pace, each side making breaks, and each side coming up against a seemingly impenetrable defence. Marlborough drew the first blood of the second half when Hungerford infringed dangerously inside their own half and the referee duly awarded a penalty.

Up stepped Payne who struck his kick perfectly to make it 11-5.

Immediately Hungerford fought back ferociously and worked their way to within a few feet of the Marlborough try line, resulting in their second try in the corner in the sixty-seventh minute, which was again unconverted.

With the clock ticking down Hungerford realised that the match was slipping away from them.

They pushed hard for another score several times, only to be thwarted yet again by centre George Fox and full back Payne.

Two minutes into injury time, Mark Adams stole the ball at a Hungerford line out on the Marlborough 22, the ball was shipped to fly half Geraint Jones who fired it deeply into touch, at which point the referee blew for the end of the game and the Marlborough team were again ecstatic at pulling off a well-deserved victory over quality opposition.

It was a further testimony to their commitment and determination, as highlighted by captain Nick Dobson's post-match team talk, that they could play short of their full potential and fluency, and still come out victorious.

Man of the match again for his coolness under pressure, a truly superb kick to gain the winning points, and tenacity in defence was Marlborough's Tom Payne.

Marlborough entertain Swindon 3rd on Marlborough Common for next Saturday's friendly.