Croxson Cup victory for Marlow Hockey Club

Final preparations for the 2023/24 hockey season ended spectacularly as Marlow Hockey Club retained the Croxson Cup on Saturday 16^th September against bitter rivals Wycombe Hockey Club.

Last Saturday, Marlow and Wycombe hockey clubs met in their annual encounter for The Croxson Cup. This involves as many as possible of the teams from both clubs with the winner decided by the total of the goals in all the matches played. Approaching the end of the afternoon Wycombe led by three goals, but Marlow’s men’s 1st team put the result beyond doubt in front of a bumper crowd. By halftime, Marlow led 3-0 (George Evans, Louis Cadinouche & Chris Sewell) and the Croxson scores were level.

In the second half, Marlow changed their tactics and took full control and by the 60th minute were 7-0 to the good. Evans had sealed his hattrick with two goals and others from Mark Lowdon, and new signing Benjamin Kwofie – a Ghanaian sensation having represented Ghana in numerous international tournaments – most recently at the 2022 Commonwealth Games. Having scored a record 15 tournament goals for Ghana, Benjamin’s Prowess in front of goal is very much needed after losing 30-goal-a-season forward Cal White to Bicester HC over the summer.

On the 60 minute mark, Marlow made a tactical change which saw them take absolute control for the last 10 minutes and by the time the final whistle blew Kwofie had a hatrick of his own, the Croxon Cup was secured and the final score read 11-0. Further goals came from Evans, Kwofie, and Cadinouche.

Other men’s results:

• 2^nd Team – no game,
• 3^rd Team beat Wycombe 2s 4-3,
• 4^th Team drew 0-0 with Wycombe3s,
• 6^th Team beat Wycombe 4s 2-1, and
• 7^th Team lost 6-0 to Wycombe 5s.

The women’s 1st team also had a decisive win scoring seven against Wycombe’s 1st team. They were only 1 goal ahead at halftime but the second half was very different with Marlow taking their chances as they were presented.

Their goal scorers were: L Hilditch (30″) M. Goodridge (47″& 68″), V Allen (48″), N Riches (52″), R Goodwin (62″) H. Sykora (66″)

Other women’s results:

• 4^th Team drew 1-1 with Wycombe 2s,
• 5^th Team lost 4-1 to Wycombe 3s,
• 6^th Team drew 3-3 with Wycombe 4s, and
• 7^th Team lost 3-0 to Wycombe 5s.

Overall, a positive weekend for the hockey club with the season starting properly on Saturday 23^rd September.

Upcoming fixtures: 23/09/2023