Sun 8 Oct 2023, 11:00
Even with a full squad this was always going to be a tough fixture however with players unavailable through illness and injury and losing players right up until the morning of the game the Bears travelled to the south of the county with 17, although this did turn into 18 following a final plea on route so an about turn by Darren and Troy was collected to aid our cause, Thanks both...
On a day more suited to cricket and against a Marlow squad of 26 we had agreed to play 4 x 15mins in an attempt to give our boys some recovery so we fired the fired the boys up and they were ready to go.
Not the best of starts as the Buckingham kick off didnt go 10 and with Marlow winning the resulting scrum they made quick ground with only a try saving tackle from Duke stopping them from crossing the line. The signs were looking a little ominous however it must be said that despite the shaky start Buckingham were more than holding their own. Alot of play in the middle of the park with chances for both teams however the 1st quarter was to end 0-0.
The 2nd quarter started with Marlow looking the brighter as they worked their way upfield and won a penalty in front of the posts. To the suprise of the crowd they opted to kick for goal which was testmanent to the defensive fight Buckingham were giving. 3-0.
Again another evenly matched period of play before some good hands by the Marlow backs allowed them to score in the corner after 23mins with the conversion missed 8-0.
Half time and the bears were well in the game however injuries and the heat were starting to take their toll.
2nd half and it was Marlow to score first after 6mins with the added extras 15-0. After 10 mins, the bears managed to recover from a sloppy line out and clear their lines however a few missed tackles allowed Marlow to cross again with the conversion added 22-0.
At this point the floodgates could have well and truely opened but some monster hits by both HP and Hugo showed Marlow they were still in a game.
14 mins in and it was Marlow to score again as some strong running saw them score in the corner. 27-0. Buckingham were still having opportunities but the heat and fatigue as well as added injuries were starting to kill them
20 mins in and following a high tackle, Marlow kicked to the corner and from the resulting lineout we able to get over the line again. Missed C 32-0
Shortly after and further missed tackles allowed Marlow to run in from the kick off to take them upto 37-0. At this point we were hoping the ref would blow the whistle however Buckingham had other ideas and following a quick tap penalty Duke was able to cross over for a much deserved score with Harry W adding the extras to give a final score of 37-7.
Marlow were without doubt deserving winners but really proud of the Buckingham boys today, 18 players that went down to 13 left standing with Ryan, Stan N, ET, HP, Bob , Zach and Archie all having to leave the field of play at times with some not to return they can hold their heads high and depsite some silly errors Marlow had to work hard for most of their scores.
Special thanks to Marlow players Theo and Ollie who made short cameo roles for Buckingham and to Marlow for their hospitality, some of the boys were grateful the food ran out so they could have a fast food stop on the way home :)
Hoping an easy week will allow those boys with knocks and illness to recover before we take on Towcester in what is usuually a well contested derby with some added Seeley sibling rivalry.
