October 15th heralded another magnificent day both for the weather and also the entertaining rugby at Braywick Sport Ground. The U11 home team displayed a rare blend of subtlety, skill and strength in a round robin contest. In the first game Maids achieved a well deserved draw against Haslemere where unfortunately Christian Shepherd ( 2^nd Row) suffered an neck muscle injury and had to retire. Score 0-0

In game two Maids faced last years winners Winchester in what was to prove a decisive game. From the kick -off the both sets of forwards tested each other’s defences, and tenacious driving from William Page (hooker) created the first try for Maidenhead. Alec Roberts calmly kicked the first of his two conversions. The second coming from good driving play by Toby Harrison and Robin Scanlon. A pass from Maids fly half enabled him drove through Winchester’s defence and make the ball available for Luke Fletcher who used his strength to crash over the line. Although Winchester rallied in the second half to score and convert Maidenhead hung on to win 14-7

Maids again met another strong South West team from Cleeve (Bristol) in what was to be the competition decider. Maids forwards namely Ryan Sherwin (hooker) Sam Alderson and Jason Merritt worked hard to win the ball. Creating an opportunity for Joe Dutton (scrum half) to pop up the ball to George Coleman (centre) and enable Paul Roberts to drive over in the first half. A. Roberts converted. Cleeve made full use of the kicking game to create two scoring opportunities with Maids not controlling the ball and allowing Cleeve to take the score to 7-14 in their favour.

Local rivals Windsor were outplayed by some excellent running rugby, as Maids won a scrum through Toby Courtney (hooker) to enable Jonathan Lowther (scrum half) to create a try for P.Roberts. From a short lineout Guy Sears drove over to score the second try. In the second half Windsor kicked off and Jamie Ford (full back) caught the ball on the run and returned diagonally almost the full length of the pitch to set Maids up for another try. Strong forward play enabled William Brennan (outside centre) to stretch his legs and score a final try and enable Ford to complete all conversions from the spot kick. Score 30-0

Maids final game against Ruislip enabled the team to play good attacking rugby, against a well organised defence. Ruislip kicked out of their own half at every opportunity to turn Maidenhead’s pack. Scoring chances were limited but a scrum down 7m from Ruislip’s line enabled continuous back play from Alexander Hanks, Chris Bradbury and Oliver Woodward to enable Robert Whittle to score, with Ford calmly converting. Score 7-0

Only a single point separated Winchester (1^st) from Maidenhead (2^nd) and Winchester (3^rd). The Fair play award going to Windsor for their sporting contribution to a wonderful days entertainment for all the parents, coaches and organisers.