MARLOW enter the final lap of an impressive season saying they relieved to be safe from “the dangers of promotion”.
They are third in South West 1 East despite a home loss to Witney last time out, but chairman Gwyn Stone admits he’s glad they are not in the promotion shake-up.
He said: “We recognise that moving up is a big step, and we don’t have the catchment of sides like Maidenhead and Cheltenham in our league.
“We are not ready yet. Our side is very young and still developing, but maybe in one or two years’ time. Promotion could be dangerous for us.”
Although they lost 20-22 at home to Witney last Saturday, Marlow remain in third place and have a real chance of finishing in the top four this term, which was the club’s aim at the start of the season.
Unfortunately for Marlow, Miles Noble was unable to land a last-gasp penalty from 30 metres for victory when the game appeared lost.
“Just moments before, Witney went over in the corner after prop Tom Kanchanawat was shown a yellow card, but Noble was able to kick two penalties and convert his own and Jonny Wolfe’s tries to give Marlow the lead earlier on.
Stone said, “This league is really competitive, and we could easily be four or five places lower because it’s tight. It’s nice to be top of the second pack.
“Our main hope for next season will be to improve the overall standard of our play. We could have been more consistent at times, because in some matches we have played well, but in others we’ve disappointed.”
Marlow finish their season at home to Coney Hill tomorrow.
Meanwhile, High Wycombe were 30-26 winners over Buckingham as they prepare for tomorrow’s trip to Bletchley.
