Preseason tournament review: Marlow Wolves Juniors/Cadets

Cadets game 1: versus Coventry Jets. Win 32-13

Marlow featured a team returning only 1 player from the 2010 championship winning campaign; receiver Jordan Barras who scored 6 touchdowns over the 2 friendlies including 2 interception returns at Cornerback. Wolves quickly took a 13-0 lead with Touchdowns from Barras on a long pass from quarterback Ben Truchard and an interception return from safety Joe Miller. Morgan Jones then had a touchdown called back for a penalty on the centre before Barras returned a pick for 6 more. Barras scored a 3rd TD on a reverse before half time and a 26-0 lead. The Jets then gained a foothold on a wonderful TD run from their pacey running back who then returned an interception for a touchdown off replacement QB Connor Crowe. Barras then put the game out of reach off a second touchdown reception from Ben Truchard.

Cadet game 2 versus Coventry Jets. Win 18-6

Joe Miller scored his 2nd of the tournament with Jordan Barras adding 2 more either side of a Jets score in a far more even game. When these 2 teams meet on April 16th it will be entertaining.

Juniors game 1 versus Coventry Jets. Win 6-0

The junior champs against the team that won 1st seed last season. This was a game where defense absolutely dominated, a very different game from their cadet counterparts. Coventry intercepted Marlow on their first possession to take great field position on the Wolves 18 yard line but failed to turn it into points. Marlow marched downfield but turned over on downs at the Jets 3. Both teams traded turnovers when the Wolves finally broke through on a TD pass from rookie QB Charlie Clymo to the very impressive Jerome Peters. Both teams then traded strong defensive performances with the highlights on offense being a 30 yard run by Jets new running back and a beautiful deep ball from Clymo agonisingly falling off the fingertips of first year junior Dan Ramsdale in the endzone, who had beaten his man on a beautiful route. It was a game as close as the scoreline.

Juniors game 2 versus the Coventry Cougars. Lost 27-7

The Cougars were tournament champions after turning over Marlow in a strong victory.

Cougars receiver and tailback Jerome is arguably the best player in the country for his age and he accounted for every touchdown except one as the Cougars rolled to a 20 point lead. Captain Daryl MacNeil also showed his veteran skill as the Cougars controlled the game against a much less experienced Wolves defense returning only 2 players from last season's 1st placed team. Jamie Ainsworth worked hard all day and reeled in a TD pass off a screen, then converted the extra point as time wound down.

Overall the Wolves were competitive and showed they can be strong this year. As the new players grow and settle in they will win plenty of games this year.