Just 8 days until Christmas – So why not treat yourself to an early gift of some local sport, it’s healthier than a mince pie! Plenty on offer as the sporting calendar draws to a close for the year. The Juniors of Marlow Hockey club impress, Marlow FC look head to tonight’s game against MK Dons and Marlow United are just a point off top spot.
Hockey
With league hockey winding down for the Christmas break the men’s First Team finished the first half of the season with a come from behind win at Sonning. The wintery conditions did nothing to help a slow starting Marlow side as Sonning raced into a two-nil lead after 15 minutes. Although it wasn’t the worst position to be in; at least Marlow couldn’t throw away a two- goal lead like in previous weeks.
Man of the Match Chris Goodchild was flattened by the Sonning Goal Keeper just before halftime and Chris Sewell calmly slotted home the penalty stroke to make it 2-1 at the break.
Marlow had now settled and began to control the game in the second period. Captain Gary Goodman leading well by example with his work rate and resilience.
James Ward pulled the reds level with 15 to go & five minutes later Tom Gray neatly deflected Lewis Goodman’s Short corner drag to seal the win.
The Marlow team showed good character and played some brilliant passing hockey to maintain their status in the top 5.
The only other team involved in league action was the 6th X1 who had a goalless draw against Thame 3
However, pride of place this week must go to the Junior sides who battled through the Under 18 and Under 16 South Indoor Championships, with Girls U16 and U18s winning their titles, and the U18 Boys finishing runners up – meaning all 3 teams qualified for the National Finals!
This is a great achievement and the first time it has happened for the same club to win three in this way. They now qualify for the National Championships
Rugby
The cold conditions weren’t just limited to the hockey as Marlow Rugby Club battled through icy conditions at the weekend in defeats to Slough II and Windsor.
The 3rds went down 12-0 to Slough II. Battling a top of the table side was always going to be a tough ask for Marlow, but they played well throughout the game despite having a depleted squad and finishing the game with 13 men.
Elsewhere, Marlow I and Windsor had to play in awful conditions. The game ended tryless, but two penalties for Windsor ensured a 6-0 victory. Tight head prop, Chris Clarke was awarded the Man of the Match award for his performance on Saturday for Marlow.
Football
It was a mixed weekend for Marlow’s football teams as Marlow FC lost their first league game since October 2nd as they went down 3-1 to Waltham Abbey.
James Clarke scored the Blues only goal of the game in the 75th minute.
But the squad won’t be dwelling on the past as MK Dons come to town. The League 2 outfit will play Marlow FC in the quarter-finals of the Berks & Bucks Senior Cup on Tuesday night.
Tickets are priced at £8 for Adults and £4 for Concessions – so go on down to support the Blues for a 7:45pm kickoff!
Marlow United wrapped up 2018 by putting six goals past Wraysbury as both sides showing resilience to battle through awful weather conditions.
Heavy winds and freezing temperatures had already managed to effect other games in the league, with matches being postponed.
But a dominant victory for Marlow closed the gap to Cookham Dean at the top of the table to just one point with two games in hand.
Despite having the better of the chances, the sides went into the break level, with Chris Hurst netting a penalty for Marlow, while Jermaine Gumbs reciprocated for Wraysbury later in the half.
In the second half, Marlow continued to create chances and finally found their way past the home sides ‘keeper for the second time after Fox finished well. From there, the away side took charge adding a third and fourth just minutes later, Hurst grabbing his second before Liam Bushay converted just before the hour mark.
Two more goals came as Hurst completed his hattrick before Prudden grabbed the 6th with 14 minutes to go. There were to be no more goals as Marlow came away 6-2 winners.
And finally, in the Marlow Footballing world, it was fantastic weekend for the Marlow FC Girls U14s. They produced a dominant display to beat reigning champions Tilehurst Panthers 8-3, to advance to the next round of the cup. It’s be a fantastic season so far for the girls, as they sit top of the league as well with 15 points.
Keeping up to date
You can keep up-to-date on the latest fixtures and results by navigating our Sports Club page and clicking the links to take you straight to each club’s website.
If you have any sports stories you want to share, match results or want to tell us why your club should be featured each week, email Danny@mymarlow.co.uk
