Marlow Hockey Club enjoyed a successful weekend, with both the men’s and women’s first teams securing important victories in the England Hockey West Conference.
The women kicked off the action on Saturday, facing Cheltenham at home in challenging weather conditions.
Both teams were level on points before the match, making the stakes particularly high.
Marlow opened the scoring through Kerri Smith, who found the net after a precise pass from Eva Barnett.
Cheltenham equalised with a well-placed strike from a penalty corner in the second quarter.
The first half ended with the score tied at one apiece, thanks to solid defensive efforts from Poppy Godfrey and Kiera Allen, alongside effective distribution from Beth James.
The second half saw Marlow come out strong, with Maddy Peacock earning the player of the match title for her impressive performance.
However, Cheltenham took an unexpected lead after a deflection from a Marlow stick.
Undeterred, the home side pressed forward, and Lena Sykora levelled the score once more by skillfully lifting the ball over the Cheltenham goalkeeper.
In the final quarter, Marlow’s fitness proved decisive.
Eva Barnett deflected a penalty corner in the fifty-sixth minute, putting the home side ahead.
Marlow managed to maintain their lead, securing a vital three points that keeps them in sixth place, with a comfortable cushion over the teams below them.
On Sunday, the men faced the University of Bristol in much more favourable weather, with bright sunshine illuminating the pitch.
Despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances, the first three quarters ended in a surprising 0-0 stalemate.
Bristol broke the deadlock with just seven minutes remaining, scoring against the run of play through Joseph Jenkinson.
However, Marlow quickly responded, with Olly Deasy equalising in the sixty-sixth minute after a clever reverse stick touch.
Tom McKinlay then assisted with a cross that was inadvertently deflected in by a Bristol defender, putting the Swans ahead.
In a dramatic finish, Callum White scored from a penalty corner, followed by Jayden Zamler converting a penalty stroke, sealing a 4-1 victory for Marlow.
The men remain in fourth place, now just one point off second, setting up an exciting clash next week against third-placed Bath Buccaneers.
In other matches, the men’s second team secured three points against Oxford Hawks 3s, while the women’s 2s drew 1-1 with Sonning 1s.
The men’s 3s continued their strong form, winning 2-1 in a local derby against Wycombe 1s.
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