Up against Marlow RFC in this OBB Division 1 league game, this match up had all the ingredients of the proverbial ‘banana skin’ for our unbeaten Windsor Colts. Compounded by significant unavailability with circulating viruses, and players committed to academy and 7s games this really stretched the wider Colts squad.

On a boggy park, the boys exchanged blows with their opposition, before good work in the forwards presented the opportunity for Will Rider to pick & go, and break the deadlock on 22 mins registering the first try of the game. Swiftly converted by Albert Nandan for a 7-0 lead. Disappointingly, Marlow kept Windsor penned into their own half, and then a break from their powerful left wing levelled the scores with their own converted try on 26 mins. However, Windsor continued to impress, and after a period of pressure, Will Rider picked up an overthrow from an opposition lineout on 10 m line to pint his way to the line, registering his brace of tries, this time unconverted. 12-7 at the break.

With just a few replacements on offer, Windsor adjusted the team on the park, and a rousing half time team talk set out the challenge to take the game to Marlow.
However, one encouraging Windsor attack and playing with a penalty advantage, Windsor were surprised to see a turnover allowed and Marlow go the length of the field to register a converted try, and then take the lead 12-14. Windsor didn’t let this upset their stride, and on 52 mins fought back with a well taken 'pick & go' try by Randy Karize. converted by Nandan, to regain the lead 19-14.

A well slotted Nandan penalty midway through the 2nd half, nudged the home side further ahead, before Tom Butler finishing off a strong period of pressure by the Windsor forward pack, to increase the lead with a bonus point try with just 10 mins to go. Conversion again by Nandan, and a 29-14 lead, and the team were now cruising.

Eddie Nieland then capped of a fine all round performance with a try of his own, again converted by Nandan. 36-14. In the final phase of play, the boys can be forgiven a lapsed defensive moment that allowed Marlow their 3rd converted try, narrowing the scoreline.
With Windsor registering an impressive bonus point 36-21 win, our 6th consecutive win in this competition, Windsor Colts are now just two games away from potentially securing the Oxon, Bucks & Berks Division 1 league title.

Maidenhead (23-Feb) and RAMs (9-Mar) are now are targets, and with returning academy players, the Colts have options and some difficult decisions with player selection.
Can the boys do it, ….yes, we can……but we need you all behind us!

Click link below for MATCH DAY Highlights:
https://www.windsorrugbyclub.com/videos/windsor-rfc-colts-vs-marlow-colts-rfc-highlights-feb-2025-208427.html

Jason Stone WINDSOR RFC Colts Team Manager