MRFC U12's Marlow Tournament 2/4/00

U12s at the Marlow Tournament Having won the equivalent age group competition last year, Maidenhead Under 12's had a disappointing day at the Marlow Tournament last Sunday as they only came fourth in their pool and failed to move forward to any of the finals. On paper, Maidenhead seemed to be in much the stronger of the two pools and this proved to be correct. Maidenhead started well against Thatcham. There was some good combined play between backs and forwards and tries were scored by prop Ashley Hanks, winger Chris Parrott and hooker Tom Morgan, one converted by Chris Richardson. Final score Maidenhead 17, Thatcham Nil.

The next match was against Amersham and Chiltern who probably vie with Beaconsfield as the best side in South Bucks. The Amersham forwards were too strong against a subdued Maidenhead pack and a try in each half one of which was converted was probably a fair reflection of the play. Final score Amersham 12 Maidenhead Nil.

The third match was against Beaconsfield. The attacking alignment of the Beaconsfield backs was superb and in a very good first half, they managed to work 3 overlaps and each resulted in a converted try. The second half was a much closer affair. Marshalled by Captain Sam Stefan, the defensive formation of the Maidenhead backs was much improved. The next score went to Maidenhead when prop Mark Williams broke away from halfway to sprint down the touchline to score a wonderful try. Beaconsfield had the final say with another converted try just before full time to leave the final score 28-7. This was not a good return for a much-improved second half and Maidenhead now had to pick themselves up for the next match.
London Irish provided the fourth opponents. This was to be the best game of the tournament with the lead changing 3 times. The first score went to London Irish as their winger, who was one of the stars of the tournament, wriggled his way out of a number of tackles to score a very good try. Maidenhead put their poor form behind them to come back strongly and scored two tries to take the lead. First Tom Plumer burst over for a try following a tap penalty. The second when Tom Kay drove for the line, was tackled and held, but then showing great strength, burst away from the maul to dive over the line. Alisdair Bruce converted the second try to make the score 12-7 to Maidenhead. Unfortunately, Maidenhead let in 2 further tries and London Irish ended up winning 19 points to 12. This was a much-improved performance from Maidenhead with the pack competing throughout.


The last match was to be against Aylesbury who had lost all 4 matches. Unfortunately, due to a number of injuries and a small squad Aylesbury pulled out of the match and Maidenhead were awarded a walkover.