I make no apology for a lengthy chronicle, since this was an historic occasion on many levels, as you will discover. But first, slide on your shades and plug your ears, because what you are about to read will overload your senses…..

With both Capts away, Sarah Perks took on the mantle and led by example, working tirelessly to plug defensive gaps, create space and claim a couple herself. A completely new defence quickly slotted seamless together, with sterling teamwork from Liza Rowles, Lisa ‘Rottweiler’ King and Emma ‘Darling’ Horan. The Fives were also boosted by 2 members at opposite ends of the hockey spectrum from one of the hottest junior teams around this year – the GU14s: coach Jo Rees relishing her forte of ‘command and control’ in the centre of the park and Helen Windsor, a late substitute and, despite having only just turned 13 years old, exhibiting she is very much from the ‘Feisty’ mould. Jo and Helen obviously brought a little of the GU14’s SSSI magic with them, as the whole team demonstrated Skill, Speed, Space and Intent.

The Fives exuded ‘Feisty’ from the off – the loss last week had obviously served to light their blue touch paper. A&C were planted firmly on their heels and any forays they mustered were dealt with firmly by Lisa ‘Arnie’ Arnold’s boot. However, today was all about the fizzy firecrackers in the front line. Louise Hale, Amanda Hobbs and Alex Clee shared the role of stretching the A&C backline to leave huge gaps for Player of the Match, Emma ‘Exocet’ Pittaway to twist, turn and torment the defence into screams of anguish as time and again she emerged from a barrage of bodies to release the perfect ball for Sarah ‘Cat’ Maddern (and others) to pounce on and slot past the Keeper decisively.

This display drew greater ‘ooohs and aaahs’ from the supporters than a nearby fireworks show which went off close by during the first half of the match:

08:00 Blast O’Mania Break into the D, followed by fizzing in and around before Louise H crossed to Sarah ‘Cat’ Maddern far post.
13:00 Fire Volcano From a Long Corner, quick interchanges between Liza R, Lisa K and Emma P to bring the ball in reach of the legendary Alex Clee. (Imagine the shock waves once people realize that Rees and Clee were in a Marlow team together once more and a Clee was on the scoresheet)
15:00 Tropical Thunder Emma P drifted past defenders as if there a smoke screen for Sarah ‘Cat’ Maddern to turn in far post.
35:00 Ballistic Blaze Penalty Corner beyond time saw a boomer from Emma ‘Exocet’ Pittaway
37:00 Boom Shakalak A&C still swallowing their half-time juice when Emma P set Sarah ‘Cat’ Maddern free one-on-one with the Keeper in which there was only going to be one outcome. The Goal Tally-Board in the Maddern household was swung very firmly in favour of the Ladies’ 5s.
55:00 Moon Travellers Emma P through to Sarah M, whose shot was smothered by a logging Keeper, only for Emma ‘Exocet’ Pittaway to flip over the prone Keeper.
56:00 Humdinger Slam Dam Alex C skill top D, slip pass to Sarah Perks who ran left and fired a trademark reverse-stick rocket to the far top-right corner.
63:00 Power Punch Emma P strike in reverse stick, rebound gathered by Sarah Perks.