Marlow KO Premiership Canterbury

A replay of last years 1st round cup fixture, but this time at home a with a superb crowd behind them, Marlow claimed the biggest scalp of the cup, defeating Premiership giants Canterbury. Canterbury on paper were overwhelming favourites, and not many would have had MHC as victors on their accumulator this week, but from last years encounter Marlow knew they could stand toe to toe with their premier opposition.

With the sun out, grandstand full and the sweet smell of burgers wafting round the stadium the stage was set. It was a cagey first ten mins with both team scouting each other out. It was in fact the national league umpires who were the first to do anything of note, and with Pete Harding literally putting his body on the line, Canterbury were awarded a penalty stroke, which they confidently slotted home. 0-1 Canterbury. Marlow regrouped, and started showing some more attacking promise. The pressure grew and after a series of corner eventually a chance fell to Rohit Kapoor who pounced on a rebound, and struck a fierce shot from all of a yard that trickled over the line.

Growing in confidence Marlow then took the lead after great work from Alex Land to set up Ed Kelleher to put Marlow 2 - 1 up at halftime.

After some wise words, and hair styles remoulded (we know there was a camera for the game Dave Guy, but your playing hockey not football now) Marlow started the second half strongly. Some lovely hockey drawing oooo's any aaaaa's from the crowd, but it was not the Marlow of old with scintillating individual skill, but the short passing patterns that carved the premiership defence open (good job GB's Middleton, Catlin and Danson were on the sideline taking note). Alex Land came into his own, and starting orchestrating each attack to set up Will Strang. 3-1 Marlow. Canterbury rallied, but Marlow continued to stand firm and play their hockey. Too much flair for this Marlow side to park the bus (also if you saw Ed Kelleher ride a bike down to the game you would want him parking anything), and continue to play their hockey they did.

The game opened out as legs started to tire, and Marlow stood firm, but according to the umpires a little too firm. A midfield clash saw the umpires produce red for Marlows Matt Ashton and a yellow for Canterbury. Marlow dug in for the remaining 15 mins with only 10 men, they showed their fighting spirit but could not fend off Canterbury as they converted a short corner. Marlow 3 - 2 Canterbury. Squeaky bum time for Marlow and their fans. The hockey got scrappy, the clock was counting down slowly and at last the final whistle came. Marlow 3 Canterbury 2, and their cup run has begun... To be continued

Dave Harding - Men's 1s Captain