'I'VE started, so I'll finish' - that famous catchphrase from tv quiz show Mastermind leapt to mind as these two played out a totally enthralling and entertaining draw on what could best be described as a swamp.

The heavy rain produced a number of moans and groans from Marlow players and officials - particularly while they were trailing. And it was easy to see why they called for an abandonment as conditions visibly worsened by the minute across parts of the pitch.

But referee Scott, whose control was outstanding, was clearly determined that having started this game, it was going to finish come hell or high water!

Hell almost arrived early on with the advent of several wild tackles but was quickly subdued when yellow cards were brandished. And high water also became a distinct possibility when several groundstaff, armed with garden forks, nobly lost their half-time battle with nature.

All credit to the referee and the players for providing such memorable fare. What a pity, but also understandable considering the weather, that only 265 folk were prepared to face the elements.

Those that were there were treated to a good old fashioned blood and thunder battle. Mudbath mistakes, mistimed tackles, comical errors, the ball stuck in pools of water and a strike that is already a strong contender for the Rovers' goal of the season. Full value for money.

Rovers should have been back on the winning trail after picking up just one point from their last two games, particularly as they twice had the cushion of a two goal lead. But though Rovers' fans won't necessarily agree - especially as all three points were snatched from the team's grasp in the last minute - it was one of those games neither side deserved to lose.

At least Rovers banished the blues of their lacklustre showing against Evesham and matched their opponents in the physical aspect of the game.

Rovers were ahead after just seven minutes when the effervescent Arthur Appleton, who thrived in the conditions, turned in Marcus Jackson's low cross. The lead was doubled just six minutes later when Steve Hillman's curling free-kick deceived everyone and left Marlow goalkeeper Lee Carroll rooted to his line as the ball zipped off the sodden turf.

Marlow pulled themselves back in contention on 24 minutes when the home defence could quite easily have asked - 'Wherefore art though Romeo (Yashwa)?' - as they lost the striker of that name and his cross was neatly tucked away by John Isaac.

On the hour Leon Mitchell joined Hillman in scoring his first goal for Rovers and what a strike! Put away to the left of the Marlow penalty area by Steve Benbow's astute pass there looked little on, but Mitchell calmly picked his spot and curled an incredible right-footer beyond Carroll and into the far top corner.

On any other day that might have been game over but Matt Lowe blotted his copybook with a schoolboy error, dropping a harmless cross just four minutes later - Romeo scoring from all of six inches.

This gave Marlow fresh incentive and they piled forward. It left them vulnerable to counter attacks but Rovers couldn't capitalise, lost their composure and committed a defensive error in the dying moments which allowed Bob Charles to pounce on a back pass and equalise.

Rough on Rovers at the end but this wholehearted display provided evidence to back manager Joe Jackson's assertions that he now has a squad capable of making a real challenge. The squad now need to continue showing he wasn't overstating their case.

Rovers: Lowe 6, Frost 7, Ulfig 7, Hillman 7, Collins 6, Allen 7, Jackson 7, Benbow 7, Mitchell 7 (Banner 77), Appleton 8, Campbell 6. Subs (not used): Francis, Jackson, Gandy

Referee: Mr GD Scott (Abingdon)

Attendance: 265