Head coach Rory pleased to see Marlow get one over tricky side
Greenslade-Jones admits his side’s unbeaten streak could have come to an end against Bicester
Marlow RFC were blessed to be on the right side of a 18-20 scoreline on Saturday to remain unbeaten in the Counties 1 Tribute Southern North and in second place after seven games played.
Rory Greenslade-Jones’ men narrowly emerged victorious at Bicester, a club they have struggled against in seasons prior, to keep their flawless streak going.
Coached by Nick Todd, the eighthplaced side put up a good fight and arguably delivered Marlow their greatest test so far this season on home turf.
Reflecting on the win, which could easily have been a loss, GreensladeJones said: “It’s always a potential banana skin when we face Bicester because they are a well-coached by a friend of mine called Nick Todd.
“We never play really well when we go down there while always tend to win at home narrowly. Last year, we got absolutely pumped by them. We lost by 50 points in the second to last game of the season due to injury and unavailability.
“We faced a bit of adversity again this time. We have picked up quite a few injuries over the last couple of games and got unavailability in key positions.
“I think, in total, a third of the team was missing at the weekend. We were missing Hugo Jafari, some wingers, Bruno Renucci at number seven, some props, and we had to play an academy player.
“With all that in mind we were glad to sneak a result and keep the wheels turning.”
He added: “I think our work off the field is contributing to our winning streak. We’re doing lots of match analysis and bringing good characters into the fold such as George Jafari who is an ex first team captain and real stalwart of the club.”
Echoing Hugo Jafari’s words to the Advertiser earlier this season, Greenslade-Jones said he is also eager for Marlow’s showdown with Chinnor 3rds in November.
They are a team that are also yet to
be beaten and, as a result, have remained at the top of the table for many weeks due to their superior points difference.
Before then, however, they will have to focus on a home clash with Bletchley this Saturday (October 29) and a trip to Bracknell 2nds next weekend (November 5).
“We have got Bletchley next and we
picked up another four injuries on Saturday so that is going to be difficult for me to manage,” said Greenslade-Jones.
“Luckily we are at home and we are just going to patch up people to get them in. There are a few people coming back into the fold that were unavailable on Saturday too.
“Hopefully we can grab another win and then we have two big games
against Bracknell and Chinnor.”
Greenslade-Jones added: “Like us, Chinnor haven’t lost for quite some time.
“Hopefully, if we can get the right people on the pitch, we will be in with a fighting chance. I will back ourselves all day at home. We will just have to see where we’re at with injured players or unavailability.”