MARLBOROUGH took a week's break from competitive action to record a 48-12 friendly victory over Malmesbury at The Worthies.

With No 8 Rob Latham carrying the fight for the visitors, it was not long before Marlborough got into their stride.

They took an early lead when Tom Payne fielded a wayward clearance from Malmesbury's Justin King and ran through the line to score.

Another attack led by Latham was held up, until the visitors switched their line of attack to the blindside, giving George Fox an open line for a try.

Will Bayly scored the next from a pushover under the posts after the visitors had been awarded a penalty, and Simon Lucas converted

But Malmesbury fought back, crossing courtesy of Craig Sillars.

The visitors went further ahead when Kevin Clancy scored in the corner for a 22-5 half-time lead.

Marlborough skipper Nick Dobson, brought on at the break, scored a try soon after coming on.

But Malmesbury enjoyed a fine moment when Steve Brady linked with Ian Gould who touched down, Kevin Tillotson converting.

One from Ian Pocock and two more scores from Dobson completed the tally.