Marlow are on the march
Greenslade-Jones’ side maintain formidable form with 34-0 win over rivals High Wycombe
Having comprehensively beaten local rivals High Wycombe, 34-0, at Riverwoods on Saturday, Marlow RFC maintain a formidable march in the Counties 1 Tribute Southern North.
This victory was their fifth of the season from as many matches; a brilliant accomplishment given the youthful nature of their squad - but, surprisingly, it's not yet taken them into pole position.
Currently, that spot is occupied by Chinnor 3rds who have a superior points difference – 24 to be exact – but Rory Greenslade Jones’ men are still sitting pretty in second, waiting for their opportunity to pounce.
According to full-back Hugo Jafari, one of the reasons for Marlow’s success this season has been treating every opponent they play like league leaders Chinnor, who he says are a robust and unforgiving outfit.
Speaking to the Advertiser this week, he spoke of his excitement and anticipation for the home clash with Chinnor at Riverwoods on November 12 and also reflected on his side’s convincing win over High Wycombe.
“We are very aware of Chinnor,” said Jafari.
“It’s good to see them dominating aswell and putting pressure on us, and we look forward to the showdown with them next month.
“Chinnor are a great club and have great depth. Their first team is in National 1, I know a few of the boys in the second team who are very capable of playing at National 2 and National 3 level, and my understanding is that the thirds have some ex-first team players in there.
“They’ve never been in our league before, our first team have never encountered them, so it’s going to be interesting when we eventually face them.
“To be fair, we prepare every week like we’re playing the league leaders. I think that’s why we’ve been so good this year.
“We can’t get complacent, and we can’t look at the teams in between now and Chinnor and think they will be walkovers. We have to attack all of those games like they are Chinnor.”
Jafari added: “The game against High Wycombe was incredible. A derby is always a match to get excited about, and you know they are going to turn up with a good team. They were definitely keen and ready for a battle.
“The Marlow of old would rest a little bit on their laurels, get a bit complacent given their recent results, but to come out and put 34 points against a side and not concede anything is nothing short of incredible.
“It was conceding nothing which made the result more special and made me really proud.
“We didn’t give up all game, we didn’t let anything slip – it was really nice.”
Jafari applied the proverbial finishing touch to Saturday’s victory, scoring Marlow’s last try before picking up an elbow injury.
Fortunately, it’s a minor knock and he should be involved in this weekend’s tie at home to Thatcham.
The Berkshire-based outfit sit ninth in the league table, with one win and four losses so far. That solitary victory came against High Wycombe at the start of this month.
“Thatcham will be a test for us,” said Jafari.
“Some of the Wycombe players said Thatcham were looking very strong and pack-heavy after the match on Saturday.
“We will just have to make sure our preparations are spot on.
“I am playing this weekend. I scored the final try against Wycombe and took a knock to my elbow but I am on my way to see the physio now (Wednesday) and I should be fine.”
Jafari added: “It’s been an enjoyable season so far. We’re playing some nice, free-flowing rugby and I expect we will continue that this weekend.”