A solid win

11 Marlborough players braved the wet and windy drive to Bristol for this rearranged game against Old Bristolians. Marlborough started off strongly, managing to keep most of the possession and having a few chances in the opposition circle. Towards the end of the first half, a ball just slipped past the Marlborough keeper and was pushed into the goal with the back of an opposition players stick. The goal was awarded but after a long discussion between the umpires, the decision was changed to a free hit to Marlborough. Just before half time, Barney Pickford caught a hard hit ball on his foot and left the pitch, reducing Marlborough to 10 men. The second half started well, despite Marlborough still being a man down and it wasn't long before the pressure told. Mark Banham played a hard pass, disguised as an off target shot, which Wayne Cranstone was able to react to at full reach and chest height, to deflect into the goal. Barney Pickford managed to come back on and camp out in the opposition circle, but the Marlborough team was soon depleted by 2 cards in quick succession, together with 1 for the opposition leaving us short of players again. The team managed to hold on and maintain the 1 goal lead, taking away a well deserved and hard earned victory.