A&C were fired up for a tough match against a Marlow team that included 10 Henley players as part of their new merger as clubs struggle to keep their junior sections fully populated. A nasty leg injury for Marlow (we hope Jack is recovering well) in the first 5 mins was followed quickly by an interception try to Marlow plus a conversion. What followed was a period of strong tackling from Will Yarroll and a good run down the wing from Harry Dardis, but getting isolated in possession and a series of penalties against A&C, particularly at the scrum, sucked momentum from the phases of play as the team had to move into a defensive period. At half-time, the score remained 7-0 Marlow.

The second half saw some better periods in possession, with multiple phases moving A&C forward on the field. Fewer penalties initially was a demonstration of improved discipline and there were moments where breakthrough tries looked likely, with robust forward play and a great run from Marco Filippetto, popping the ball to Dan Mawdsley unfortunately seeing the ball held up over the try-line, a frustrating outcome. However, the penalty count began to tick up again as the referee blew for more infringements, one of which was too near the posts and Marlow kicked to go 10-0 up. The prospect of time running out pushed A&C forward once again, but some handling errors in the final 10 metres of the try-line meant the elusive try never came and the game ended deep in the Marlow half. A&C had played well for much of the game, yet unforced errors and unlucky decisions meant there was no win to take us forward in the cup. Best of luck to Marlow for the remainder of the cup.