Unbeaten Marlow remain at the top
Marlow Hockey Club: Men's 1sts claim convincing 4-1 win over Witney
Marlow Men's 1st team remain unbeaten and top of the South Central Premier League 2 after Saturday's convincing 4-1 win over Witney.
A couple of early goals from Chris Sutton gave them a stranglehold on the contest while Charley Hunter added a third before Witney grabbed one back.
A fourth followed from Leo Pennant to restore Marlow's threegoal lead and keep them on course for the title and promotion.
Marlow's 2nd team withstood a late fightback from hosts Berkhamsted to register their first league win since early October.
The visitors came into the clash off the back of a five-match losing streak, while Dave Hand's fractured hand presented Isaac Maddern with an opportunity to make his debut.
They controlled the opening stages and led through George Atkins' close range finish. Dan Field netted their second from a penalty stroke to emphasise their early dominance, but the hosts grabbed a goal back just before the break to put the outcome back in the balance.
Marlow created several chances in the second half before Maddern set up Field who rocketed home the visitors' third.
Berkhamsted never threw in the towel, however, and got their second from a penalty stroke after the ball hit a Marlow body on the goalline. The hosts pressed for an equaliser in the closing minutes, and even had a short corner goal disallowed, but the visitors held on for a precious three-points.
The men’s over 40s team were beaten 2-0 by a strong Henley side in the cup, while the 3rds were held to a 2-2 draw with Wallingford 2nds. The 4ths also drew 2-2 with Oxford 5ths while the 5ths were beaten 2-1 away at Witney 2nds.
Marlow Ladies 1sts remain a point clear at the top of the table following Saturday's 2-0 win over Sonning, however, it’s tight at the top with four teams separated by only four points.
The hosts began brightly, with Jane Smith converting from Alex Teasdale’s clever pass in the fifth minute. Only 12 minutes were on the clock when they doubled their advantage, Martha Goodridge finding the backboard from a penalty corner.
Sonning defended well for the remainder of the game, Marlow unable to capitalise on their chances, while Dibs Haisman pulled off a few saves to prevent the visitors from scoring.
The 2nd team played out a hardfought stalemate with hosts Aylesbury 1sts while the 3rds beat Staines 1sts 3-2.
The 5ths beat Staines 2nds 1-0, the 6ths defeated Amersham & Chalfont 6ths 3-0 and the 7ths were held to a goalless draw by Amersham & Chalfont 2nds.
In junior hockey, the boys’ u16s A side lost their play-off match so remain in the South Central League rather than being promoted to the Super League, while the girls u16s C team beat Wycombe 3-0.