The U10’s started their campaign against a very tough side for the first game. Winchester went on to win the Tournament and were the better side against us. Winchester scored the first try within 3 minutes but Maidenhead fought back well soon after with a successful turnover near to the Winchester line for Luke Fletcher to drive over. The opposition came back with two further scores before half time to make it 3 tries to 1.

Maidenhead started well in the second half with a good pick up by Guy Sears who crossed the line for our second try. Although the U10’s worked the ball out wide they could find no way through the Winchester defence. Maidenhead could have done with an easier opening game to move into their stride and indeed did improve as the Tournament progressed. Set piece scrums were very poor and lost many opportunities by not having more ball to run at Winchester. The match ended 15 – 10 to Winchester.

Maidenhead U10a 10 v 5 Cleve
Maidenhead began confidently with a well-taken try by Alec Roberts but Cleve became stronger as the game progressed to deny Maidenhead more possession. Some excellent handling by the backs and in particular by Guy Swadling saw Maidenhead come close to the Cleve line, Ross Pepper went over for the second try in the corner. Cleve fought back well to secure a late try but Maidenhead defence stood firm to enable a deserved win by two tries to one.

Maidenhead U10a 30 – 0 Windsor
This game provided the spectators with a marvellous exhibition of running Rugby. Guy Swadling scored 3 tries with 1 each from Ross Pepper, Thomas Cook, and Luke Fletcher. While Windsor were weaker opposition the boys had now moved into overdrive in this their third game of the Tournament.

Maidenhead U10a 15- 5 Ruislip
Shortly after the start Oliver Woodward received the ball near the half way line going wide initially and then cutting inside breaking many tackles to score an excellent try. Ruislip came back soon afterwards to cross for their first try. Maidenhead tackled well and in particular Matthew Laird and Ross Pepper as they had done in previous games continued to keep a strong defence.

Ross Pepper went over for Maidenhead’s second try just before half time. Guy Swadling jinked his way through the Ruislip defence to score his sides third try. Soon after Ruislip crossed for their 2^nd try, to leave a tense finish to the Tournament.

Considering this was there first competitive start to the new season the U10’s performed well against some very strong opposition but were ultimately let down by lack of possession from set piece scrums.

Reports compiled by Gary v. Laird.