Old Priorians reigned victorious on the opening weekend of Regional 2 Thames, but were made to work hard by Marlow before eventually running out 34-12 winners.

The Twisters came out of the traps quickly and put the hosts under early pressure, yet couldn't find a way through in the opening stages with Marlow able to bat back their advances ; the deadlock was broken in the 14th minute via an OPs counter attack, number 8 Cathal Sheehan opening up space and accelerating away for a fine solo effort, heading from the halfway line to scoot in under the posts. This left Will Taylor with an easy kick to make it 7-0.

Further spoils followed just two minutes later through another counter, Kimen Nyam receiving the final pass to go over the line, once again in front of goal - Taylor duly converted and 14-0 it was with 16 minutes played.

The purple patch continued as OPRFC looked to build a healthy lead, with the forwards working as a cohesive unit at the set piece, largely dominating in the scrum and employing the rolling maul in attacking positions. It was the latter that set the foundation for a Mishka Fibbens try on 25', powering over from short range. Taylor put another two on the board and the signs looked good for the visitors.

Taylor then went over for a further five points just a minute later as OPs made a charge immediately from the restart, the difficult conversion unsuccessful ; yet, a bonus point garnered within the half hour and the Twisters looked fluid.

A lengthy stoppage for a serious injury to a Marlow forward disrupted the flow of play and allowed for the home side to regather and adapt in the remaining 14 minutes of the half and got themselves on the scoreboard through a hustling run from centre Dean Whiteley. Captain Phil Hellmuth slotted the extras and it became 26-7 around the 35 minute mark, which is how it stood at half time.

The second 40 minutes was far more even with Marlow holding the bulk of the possession, yet their generally slow recycling and decision making in crucial phases meant they were unable to make it count. Indeed, other than a 49th minute penalty for Taylor - taking him to 14 points for the afternoon - there were only two further scores, Tom Fulford able to go over in the corner for Marlow in the 72nd minute (unconverted) along with Sheehan for OPs with the last play to seal his brave, Taylor missing but giving the full time result somewhat of a sheen at 34-12.

Played in unseasonably hot conditions, this was a taxing affair for both outfits, moreso given the new tackling laws. Marlow ought be pleased with their overall performance but were exposed far too often in the first half and ought be wary of this in a competitive league. For OPs, a solid game was only sullied by some panicked mistakes and opposition resurgence, though will be happy to travel back to Perivale with all five points.

The Twisters are at home to Belize Park next Saturday.

OPRFC 34

T : Sheehan 2, Nyam, Taylor, Fibbens

C : Taylor 3

P : aylor

Marlow RFC 12

T : Whiteley, Fulford

C : Hellmuth