Swanage & Wareham were hit hard late on as league rivals Marlow denied them an opening-day win.

Swans were unable to maintain their early form – having led at half-time and after 60 minutes in their South West One East curtain-raiser at Bestwall .

Despite looking in a good position at 25-22 ahead with 20 minutes remaining, the hosts were overpowered as Marlow claimed a 44-25 victory.

Swans led 18-15 at the interval thanks to the boot of Charlie Parish and tries from debutant Rory Triniman and wing Charlie Rowberry.

Marlow responded with a quick converted try after the break before Tom Frampton crossed to restore the Swans advantage.

However, Marlow produced a late flourish to deny Swans an ideal start to the campaign.

Swans: Dunsford, Blackmore, Triniman, Corsie, Rowberry (Chadwick, 35), Parish, Armstrong, Audley (Frampton, 50), Elford, Sheldrake, Burgess, Collins (Richings, 65), Scott, Tomes, Desmond.

  • Swanage & Wareham’s mini and youth rugby teams start the new season on Sunday.

Registration for players will be from 10am to noon at the Bestwall clubhouse in Wareham and |all the forms required can be found by visiting www.swansrugby.co.uk.

The club’s mini and youth section always welcomes new |players, whatever their age or ability.

Swanage & Wareham RFC is entering into its 60th year of offering rugby to boys and girls who live in and around Purbeck and South Dorset.