A close, competitive local derby

This is always a close fixture, and today was to be no exception.

Both sides brought large squads so as is often the way it was agreed that we would play 3 x 20 minute games and to play rolling subs in order to give all players game time.

Match 1; Redingensians 7 Marlow 0
Scorer; Leicester. Conversion Cox.

Match 2; Redingensians 24 Marlow 0
Scorers; Leicester, Paterson, Griffiths, Cox. 2 conversions by Cox (one Wareham's Granny would have been proud of!!).

Match 3; Redingensians 5 Marlow 19.
Scorer; Wareham.

To be honest the score is neither here nor there. Yes of course it's nice to tuck a win away, but it's the style of the performance that counts. Today was a good chance for both sides to test the strength in depth of their respective squads.

Match 1 was a low scoring affair, although it's fair to say that the home side had the bulk of the possession and territory, although struggled to convert their supremacy to points. Hats off to a good defensive display by Marlow although their scrum half, No 10 and full back had a "torrid day at the office"!

For the home side the usual suspects performed well; Sharp was 100% effort, Wareham is solid and it was good to see Captain Hunt back in action. The backs performed well with Richardson at scrum half and Leicester marshalling his troops.Cox once again had a very solid match at full back; with the confidence to join the attack when in the oppositions half and lining his defensive tackles up well. Tsang also came of age; not only the elusive running in attack, but also putting in some cracking cover tackles, showing that his all round game has improved. Great to see. It was however a day for the "donkeys" in particular. Weir repeatedly the recipient of an inside ball which he drove forward to great effect, and Jones emulating Wareham by appearing all over the park.

Leicester scored the only try of the match when he wrestled the ball free at a breakdown in front of the posts and plunged over to score. Cox added the extras.

Match 2 both sides rung the changes with the home side changing no less than 5 of the pack, such is the strength in depth that we now have. Wild came on at scrum half, Lee on at un-accustomed outside centre and Dickinson and Eves joined the backs. Leicester scored his second of the match when Sharp took a quick penalty took contact and created space. The second try of the match came from Paterson who had a cracking game on as replacement in the front row. Cox added the extras with a superb kick from just inside the touchline. Just goes to show that additional practise after training does pay dividends!

Griffiths scored the third try and the fourth came from the ever industrious Cox, who cut a fine angle to score and the converted his own try to rub salt in.

Match 3 Marlow chose to return their starting 15 to the fray whilst 'Ensians chose to ring the changes once again. Whilst Marlow deservedly scored 3 tries generally resulting from missed tackles, Wareham pulled one back towards the end of the match. Congratulations go to Stevens and Lonergan who put in solid performances playing their first home games for the club.

Thanks again to Marlow for a good match.

Well done to man of the match Jones, who pipped Weir and Cox for Man of the Match. The coaches leave your Father to sort out the rather mamby pamby drink off!

Bernie Leicester