Marlborough 4 -2 Bath Buccs

Marlborough went into the game with Baths Buccs without regular Captain Anil Sud, John Berry stepped into the role and Marlborough maintained his 100% winning record when leading the side.

Marlborough knew it would be a tough game against Baths Buccs, they won the away game 3-0 but it was most definitely one they had to earn and today was no different.

Marlborough started the game looking to force Bath to play into areas of the pitch where Marlborough felt they could win the ball, this had mixed success as crips passing form the away side allowed them to break through and create a couple of half chances. Marlborough began to assert themselves on the game, forcing Bath to play more hopeful passes and applying pressure well. They took the lead when a sideline hit inside the Bath 25 was played to the returning Matt Way on the edge of the D, he managed to receive the ball and play it under his arm into the path of the advancing John Berry, who took the ball out on his reverse and fired it into the goal. Marlborough extended their lead when they won a Penalty corner following a clumsy tackle on the ever-dangerous Alex Renwick, the ball was slipped right by Rich Fynn perfectly into the path of John Berry who turned the ball in to double his and Marlborough's tally.

Before halftime, Bath were able to bring the score back to 2-1 when they awarded a Penalty Flick following a goalmouth scramble their a Penalty corner. Aaron Holloway was given no chance form the spot with a hard flick down to his right.

At Half Time Marlborough knew they deserved their lead but that Bath weren't going to just roll over. The second half started as a scrappy affair with the quality of the hockey dropping. The game was very much, in the balance when Bath equalised directly from a Penalty corner mid-way through the half.

Marlborough regained their composure and with Bath seeming to tire managed to take the game away from them with. Marlborough began to play incisive passes out from defence to their forward line and the driving runs through the midfield meant they created lots of half chances. They retook the lead when Rich Fynn's flick was saved and Matt Osborne was on hand to half-volley the ball back past the Bath GK and into the net. They made sure of the game 5 minutes later when an elusive carry from Rich Fynn down the wing saw him reach the baseline, he drew the final defender before slipping the ball across for Captain John Berry to fire the ball into the goal and secure the 3 points for Marlborough. They saw the game out with little fuss, due to excellent commitment form the entire defensive line, challenging opponents well and showing composure on the ball.

Marlborough were delighted with the win and move into another game against a lower Bath side next week, they go into the game full of confidence but knowing they can't take anything for granted as they try and keep themselves in contention at the top of the league.

Man of the Match was awarded to Alex Renwick for another composed performance, he carried the ball well and always looked dangerous in and around the circle as well as working hard of the ball to close off passing angles.

D*** of the Day was also "awarded" to Alex Renwick for what can only be described as a bit of a "Brain fart" when trying to take a free hit in the second half, setting Bath up for a 5 on 2 attack which Marlborough were very lucky to survive...