Marlow defeat Kingswood in tight duel

MARLOW ran out 31-28 winners in a thrilling match against Kingswood in the Pam Golding Properties Graeme Rugby Day in Grahamstown at the weekend.

Marlow started the match strongly and good continuity saw them cross for a converted try in the fourth minute.

After weathering the early Marlow onslaught, Kingswood struck back from a five-metre scrum, with Mark Webber crashing over for Garrick Mattheus to convert.

However, a Kingswood error allowed Marlow to score their second try and they increased their lead when Kingswood lost the ball in midfield to cross for a third time, making it 17-7 at the break.

After a lot of pressure, Marlow scored first in the second half to make it 24-7 before Kingswood started to find a bit more consistency.

Their enterprising play was rewarded when Marlow were caught in possession and from a scrum, burly flank Nicholas Schenk went over near the poles. Mattheus converted to make it 24-14.

Marlow, however, again seized on a Kingswood mistake to canter around for an easy try, making it 31-14.

This try seemed to wake Kingswood up and they drove hard into the Marlow 22 for scrumhalf Harry Robinson to dummy before diving over for a try close to the poles. Mattheus converted to make it 31-21 with eight minutes left.

Kingswood were now running the ball at every opportunity and were finally rewarded after they drove from a lineout in the Marlow 22 and finally released Athi Halom to score. Mattheus’s conversion made it 31-28.

The hooter went as the kick-off was made and Kingswood ran the ball into the Marlow 22 where the defending side were penalised for killing the ball.

Forfeiting the easy three points needed for a draw, Kingswood went for broke and they ran the ball, but lost it out wide as Marlow hung on in a terrific finish.

-Sports Reporter