Despite a last-minute scare, Marlow clinched the league title on the final day of the season, with a massive assist from our new best friends, Maidenhead. Their 1-0 victory over Wycombe meant that, despite only managing a draw with Phoenix, Marlow were champions.

Heading into the final day, Marlow were three points ahead of Wycombe but trailing on goal difference, needing a win to guarantee the title. However, if Wycombe failed to beat Maidenhead, Marlow could lift the trophy regardless of their own result.

Unbeknownst to half the team (who apparently opted for blissful ignorance), Maidenhead did the job for us, meaning the title was secured. But, of course, that didn’t stop the drama that followed.

The Match:

With Phoenix languishing in the bottom three, the expectation was for a Marlow masterclass. The plan? Set the tempo early, dictate play, and cruise to victory. The reality? Hockey, as always, had other ideas.

Phoenix, featuring a handful of quality players sprinkled among the distinctly average, dominated the early exchanges and took the lead from a short corner. Marlow, who were rolling the subs more consistently, kept giving the opposition different challenges to face and though not quite getting into their stride, started to create opportunities. JT, playing in the wide position and terrorising their right back, started the move on the halfway line, drove along the byline and then delivered an excellent cross for Frosty to roll the ball into the net. Next up, the Wizard of Oz and Paul conspired to deliver their own short corner routine, version 122. Oz expertly hit the post, Paul picked up the rebound and turning on a six pence, (5 pence for the younger audience) delivered a lovely flick into the far top corner.

2-1 half time and in theory ready to dominate the second half.

Phoenix continued to press, Marlow continued to overcomplicate things, and the game remained on a knife edge. Then, Mike, turned into Usain Bolt, picked the ball on the edge of the D, zipped around the D, and delivered a delicious backstick cross to JT, who took his time, picked his spot, and slotted it home. 3-1. Cue the celebrations, right? Wrong.

Because this is hockey, Phoenix promptly scored from another short corner. 3-2. Hearts pounding, nerves jangling, and then enter George, voted ‘Supporter of the Year’ and looking to crown his first appearance of the season with a moment of glory.

With a massive crowd of Rob’s wife and two children watching intently, George found himself in the perfect position to be the hero. The ball looped into the air, landing perfectly for him to bury it and seal the title in style. But alas, the fairytale ending wasn’t to be. He made the touch, but the keeper barely had to move to make the save. To add insult to injury, ruthless Robbo called for George’s immediate substitution.

Then, with only minutes remaining, panic levels rose again. Another Phoenix short corner. The crowd, well Robbo’s family, held their breath. Phoenix hit it straight down the middle for 3-3. Marlow tried to launch a final attack, promptly lost the ball, and the whistle blew.

Half the team thought they’d just thrown the title away, visions of Wycombe lifting the trophy haunting their dreams. But then—relief. The rest of the team informed them that Wycombe had lost earlier. Marlow were CHAMPIONS.

Celebrations were lead by Robbo, who delivered his repertoire of chants, unfortunately we can not give details due to their nature.

A few key post-match moments:

• Robbo attempting to match Gary’s domestic excellence, Robbo told his wife and kids they were going on a family day out, the kids, dreaming of sandy beaches and ice cream, were instead treated to a thrilling afternoon of… watching their dad play hockey in Reading. Their excitement? Measured in rocks collected from the side of the pitch.

• Mike’s Dream Realized: After 50 years of playing hockey, Mike finally won a league title. Overcome with emotion, he was last seen quietly weeping in the corner. David and Robbo ‘fixed it’ for him.

• Jedders’ Remote Celebrations as he was at a personal event, raised a pint or 22 on the last count.

Next Up:

A celebratory bus parade is planned for Friday, culminating in the Mayor of Marlow presenting Robbo and David with the championship and granting them the freedom of the town. (Or at least a free pint at the local pub—negotiations ongoing).

Well done, everyone, enjoy the feeling and be proud of yourselves. You all contributed