Marlow's men move eight points clear at top after crushing win over Henley

Oliver Blundy. Photo credit: Graeme Wilcockson, gmwsport.com

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Marlow Men's and Women's first teams had contrasting results this weekend, with the men's defeating Henley 6-0 to move eight points clear at the top if the Southern Central Premier League with four matches to play.

Henley had their chances in a generally open game, but the Reds were clinical when opportunities presented themselves and Henley were wasteful.

Josh Covus netted their first, on his 18th birthday, from a well-worked move and Sam North chipped in with two more goals before half-time from corner routines.

North then completed his hat-trick from another corner after the restart - and following a spell of prolonged pressure from Henley.

But Oliver Blundy scored the goal of the game, trapping an aerial ball from Ollie Deasy on the reverse of his stick and over his head before lobbing the keeper who had come rushing out.

It was a sensational strike that was then matched by Henry May who finished off an excellent team move. Matt Ashton won the ball back in Marlow's D, played it to Sam North who exchanged passes with Blundy. He gave the ball to Owen Heale who passed it back to Blundy. Louis Cadinouche took on the play, dribbling past the goalkeeper before squaring the ball for May to score.

That was the last action of a compelling game, and it was the best team goal Marlow have scored all season. It followed what was probably the best individual goal from Blundy and the Reds look in excellent shape to go on and seal the title now.

Marlow's 2nd team also picked up a commendable 3-1 win over Oxford Hawks 3rds to lessen their own relegation fears this season.

Joe Hoggan opened the scoring with a great strike into the roof of the Hawks' net and this was followed shortly by a clinical drag flick finish from Phil Cowell.

The Reds then stretched their lead to 3-0 before half-time through Ollie Green's goal and although the second half was more end-to-end, with the Hawks clawing a goal back, Marlow held on for an impressive win.

Other results saw the 3rd team defeat Oxford Hawks 2-1, the 4ths defeat Henley 2nds 2-1, the 5ths lose 4-2 to Windsor 2nds away, the 6ths draw 1-1 with Sonning 4ths while the 7ths match was postponed.

Marlow's Women's 1st team endured a difficult afternoon at home to Cheltenham at Pound Lane on Saturday, losing 4-0.

The game was fiercely contested in the first half, with Marlow well in the match, but Cheltenham scored their first goal through a well-placed strike in the 13th minute, the ball finding a way past keeper Alys Ramm.

Martha Goodridge came close to equalising moments later, but the Cheltenham keeper tipped her shot over the bar, while Ramm made several excellent stops to prevent the visitors extending their advantage before the break.

Marlow earned several penalty corners in the second half but could not find a way past a stubborn Cheltenham defence and some clinical attacking play from the visitors saw them score three goals in seven minutes to clinch victory.

Marlow's 2nd team remain top in their division after a goalless draw with second placed Oxford 2nds.

The Reds kept their rivals at bay and plenty of good hockey was on display from both sides, but this was certainly a match where defences were on top.

Player of the match Rosa Cook led the way with well-timed tackles and some confident carrying of the ball. The Reds had one attempt saved on the goal line and a fierce strike from Jazzy Elsden flashed narrowly wide.

At the other end, Ruby Duncan made a fine from a short corner. The draw maintains Marlow's one point advantage with four games to play.

Other results saw the 3rd team beat South Berks 2nds 1-0, the 4ths defeat South Berks 3rds 3-1, the 5th lose 5-0 away to Newbury & Thatcham 3rds, the 6ths beat Wycombe 4ths 1-0 away and the 7ths lose 3-1 to Phoenix Reading 3rds.