COLT Rory Ferguson scored a debut try in Swanage & Wareham’s 48-43 defeat at the hands of Southern Counties South rivals Marlborough at Bestwall.

Ferguson went over on the stroke of half-time to narrow the deficit for Swans, although a third defeat in four has left them clinging on to second place.

Erin Inglis drew first blood for Swans with a try converted by Steve Woolley.

But the lead was short-lived as the visitors ran in three tries, two converted, to make it 19-7.

Although Adam Smith touched down and Woolley converted, Marlborough extended their lead before Ferguson scored.

But Marlborough made it 38-19 thanks to two tries in the first 10 minutes of the second half.

Sam Turner and Jake Warren both crossed as Swans staged a fight back with Woolley’s conversion making it 38-31.

But Marlborough were not finished and regained the initiative with two tries to extend to 48-31 their advantage. Inglis’s second try and a penalty try converted by Woolley ensured Swans would at least pick up two losing bonus points.

Swans: Woolley, Ferguson, Smith, D Elford, Young, Warren, Tomes, Audley, R Elford, Z Wyburgh (Andrews, 58), Oliver, Collins, Inglis, Jones (Dennett, 46), Wright (Turner, 46).