Marlow RFC may be known as the 'Swans', but it was the Bracknell 4XV that started the game as this TVIL Game as the ugly ducklings but matured in to beautiful, elegant beast and almost glided serenely to a much deserved win.

The 4XV welcomed back Darren Payne, former captain of the Mighty 3's, who retired 4 years before, but looked the eclectic group of old warriors and youthful inexperience that they were in the early exchanges resulting in missed tackles that gifted Marlow with 3 scoring opportunities which they took with ease. The conversions were missed, so Marlow led by 15 to 0.

However, inspired by the mighty David Rosi, the 4XV began to gel, make some tackles and began to win some ball at the breakdown. It was soon apparent that the Marlow midfield was vulnerable to the battering ram that is Darren Payne, and the 4XV began to play some rugby beyond the tackle line. Marlow turned around 15-3 up following a Matt Tipper penalty, but were now a tad worried but the emerging force of the 4XV running game.

Continuity was the key in the second half, as the 4XV put multiple phases together attacking down the left flank before moving the ball quickly to the right through Tom Hopkins who stretched the defence. Quick ball was recycled to put Darren Payne over in the corner. At 15-8 the belief was now flowing through the 4XV.

More running rugby resulted in another try for the free running and impressive Henry Rouse. You would never have thought this was practically Henry's first game of rugby!! The conversion was close, at 15-13, the 4XV worked hard for the 3 points to take the game. The opportunity came, but the kick fell short from the 10 meter line, and Marlow hung on for the win.

The front row of Sam Vass, Nigel Wright and new boy Ajay Pipin were all outstanding, scrummaging under enormous pressure all day, but playing their part around the park two. Ian Sutherland and Allen O'Brien (aka 'daddy long legs') worked manfully in the engine room, allowing the old stagers of the back row led by David Rosi, to get around the park disrupting Marlow's ball.

David Tonkinson and Mark Findlay made an absolute nuisance of themselves throughout.
Matt Tipper played his usual maverick game at scrum half keeping the Marlow back row honest, whilst Darren Payne, Henry Rouse and Tom Hopkins did most of the damage well supported by Phil Wells the veteran winger and the ever improving Chris Samson and Tom Youngs. Lewis Edwards-Barker left the field midway through the first half with a knee injury so was unable to show his pace on the day. Some old boy, playing his first game as a 50 year old did ok in the 10 shirt too...!

Overall a pleasing opening display by the 4XV.