The competitive nature of the England Hockey League was laid bare by the performances of Marlow’s first teams in a rare home double-header on Saturday, with the Women going toe-to-toe against top of the table Cardiff before unluckily succumbing 4-1, whilst the Men were impressed by the strength and discipline of bottom of the table Exeter University 2s, who gave high-riding Marlow quite a battle before finally losing 4-2.

First up were the women, bolstered by the recent addition to their squad of US signing Caroline Andrew, and undaunted by the sprinkling of current Welsh internationals in the Cardiff ranks. The first quarter was even, but Marlow started the second quarter brightly, and after Lottie Porter was taken to ground while slicing through the Cardiff midfield, the reds took advantage of the green card (which could easily have been yellow) to take the lead. Kiera Allen caused havoc in the Welsh defence before crossing to Lana Jones-Wallis, who slotted home calmly.

Marlow were in no way flattered by their 1-0 half time lead, but had the wind taken out of their sales by two Cardiff goals in the third quarter. Let’s just say neither goal was without umpiring controversy, and leave it at that. Marlow pushed hard for an equaliser in the final quarter, and it was beyond cruel when two breakaway goals in the last two minutes saw Cardiff travelling back across the Severn Bridge with a 4-1 win.

Marlow’s men took to the field looking to cement their top three place in the EHL West Conference against Exeter University - bottom of the table, but young, fit and skiful. The reds were fast out of the blocks and created a number of early chances, but couldn’t find the net in the first quarter. They put that right soon after the break, Matt Law picking up a loose ball and slamming home.

1-0 remained the score at half time, a half in which the Students had competed strongly. A penalty corner goal by Tom McKinlay and a neat penalty stroke conversion saw Marlow extend their lead to three by the end of the third quarter. A field goal for Exeter early in the final period was a deserved reward for their efforts, but Marlow restored their three goal cushion via a second goal from the rampant Matt Law. A second goal for Exeter came in the final minute, leaving Marlow 4-2 winners.

Photographs courtesy of @gmwsportphoto
Marlow Women’s Lana Jones-Wallis being celebrating her goal against Cardiff

Marlow Men’s Callum White creates havoc in the Exeter defence