No Quarter Given

With both teams already promoted Marlow had everything to play for, as they were the only team not to have lost to us so far. Their supporters were very vocal, but it was great to have Jules and Rachel joining a few stalwart Reading supporters to cheer us on (and enjoy much pre match hilarity as we waited for Heidi to dress herself and discussions on undergarments to cease).
Reading started strongly. We spent the first 10 minutes camped around their D . Despite some valiant attempts, and a variety of short corner routines, we just couldn't break their defence - or the rather more athletic than usual saves from their stand in GK, none other than Marlow's 1st team outfield captain.
Having withstood the sustained pressure Marlow began to build from defence. They play a high and wide attacking game and gave us a masterclass in supporting triangles. However our experienced defence were more than up to the task, with Janice having a particularly fine game.
Half time came not a minute too early. 0-0 and everything still to play for. Henna, Ant and Kelly ran themselves into the ground, Sandy urged the forwards higher and started peppering their D from every angle. More short corners came and went with no reward. Rather against the run of play, Marlow broke out and won a rare short corner. There was nothing any of our defenders or goalie could do to stop the bullet from their skipper hitting the back board. The cheers from the home team and supporters was deafening as we trudged back to restart the game.
But we hadn't come this far to roll over and submit. Within minutes we were attacking again. With the ball in the top right corner, Sandy looked up and saw 3 forwards well positioned to deflect a cross into the goal. The ball came in and Liv, having set up camp on the far post, duly delivered. Queue raucous cheers from all those in light blue.
This left a hotly contested last quarter of the match. Both teams put their bodies on the line. Karen made a magnificent goal line clearance to deny Marlow. Fran kept us in the game on more than one occasion. We were fortunate not to be playing under last years experimental rules, as a shot from them hit outside the D found plenty of our sticks on the way to goal but none of theirs. Every winning team needs a bit of luck, and this was ours. Marlow had some of their own at the other end, as a goal line 'save' from the feet of a defender was not spotted by the umpire.
And so the match ended. 1-1 and honours even. It was a hard fought, end to end game played with a spirit of mutual respect. Anyone would have thought we were contesting the Calcutta Cup, such was the determination of all to win. Well done and thanks to all. See you next season Marlow!