Sat 24 Sep 2022
Abbey secured another losing bonus point and rallied well in the second half away at Marlow, but a dominant and very physical opening 20 minutes by the hosts left Abbey with a lot to do.
Marlow struck first with a penalty after 8 minutes. They continued to make yards with strong carries in Abbey’s half. The hosts were strong in the scrum and burrowed over from close range for the first try of the game after 18 minutes.
There was a brief pause in the game as a hole in the pitch was filled in. Marlow broke decisively from the restart and ran in another try. 17-0 after 25 minutes. Abbey were determined and aggressive defending around the breakdown. Centre’s Mike Beckly and Keegan Timmermans put in a crunching tackle on a hard running Marlow back, with Timmerman’s being subbed off as a precaution. Marlow are a well drilled side and they smartly finished a close range lineout move with their hooker running in from short range down the blindside. Marlow then slotted a penalty after an infringement at the breakdown.
Max Courtnage, Matt Eldridge, Gerrie Sutherland and Matthew Woodward all caught the eye with some strong tackles and carries.
An excellent break by Sutherland resulted in the supporting Ollie Charlton running in under the posts.
25 - 7 at half time.
The score perhaps not a completely fair reflection of some strong defensive work.
However Abbey started the second half as Marlow had the first.
James Gadd making his first team debut offered himself with some strong runs.
However another Marlow try put more distance between the sides.
Marlow were putting in some huge hits, but an excellent kick chase resulted in a Marlow clearance kick being blocked, and Tom Bird superbly picked up a loose ball to make it 30-12.
Abbey continued to make yards, and after more yards made by the pack Matthew Woodrow bashed his way over.
30-19 with 20 to go.
Unfortunately all of Abbey’s hard work was undone immediately as they failed to gather the restart, allowed the ball to bounce and Marlow ran in.
37-19.
However next came Abbey’s best score of the game.
A superb counter attack by Max Boucher put Alex Ashford into the corner with an equally superb pass which Ashford finished well.
Abbey’s backs came to life and were unlucky not to see any gain from some decent line breaks.
Marlow had the final say in the game - a poor Abbey lineout throw to the tail close to their line allowed Marlow to gather and crash over.
Full time - 42 v 24
Again Abbey have scored tries across the team, and should be encouraged by some of the defensive effort put in. The side are still finding their flow, and no doubt with some more weeks under the belt the wins will come.
MOTM - Plenty of potential candidates but Matt Eldridge was the pick of the bunch.
Abbey’s own Swiss Army Knife rewarded for his incredible work rate.
