U12s runners up at Saracens Mini Tournament

Sunday 2nd November 2003
       
Maidenhead U12 produced some outstanding rugby on their way to the final of the Saracens Mini Tournament on Sunday. In what were very difficult conditions of wind and rain and against some tough opposition  Maidenhead kept the ball tight and played well as a unit. In the opening game against the Saracens Fez Heads the forwards produced some excellent driving and rucking to allow Harte to power through to score the opening try in the first half. Playing up the hill and into the wind Maidenhead were very disciplined and controlled the ball well under pressure from the Fez Heads. An opportunist punt and chase down from Harte in the dying moments gave Maids a 2-0 victory.

As conditions worsened the next match against a compact Romford Team tested the resolve of the whole squad. The deadlock was broken by a some aggressive running by Cadden who gave the scoring pass to  Hudson to dart over the line. This gave the team confidence and some sterling defensive work from Thompson and Edwards ensured that a clean sheet at the turn. The second half brought continued pressure but the forward line of Andrews, Cadden, Manning supported by Naish, O'Connor and Ansell ensure that Romford were contained. The match ended 1 try to nil in Maids' favour . The third match against a very tough and aggressive Ruislip side was a true test of Maidenhead's resolve. Taking a 1 try to 0  lead through an Ansell charge gave the team the confidence they needed.  However this turned out to be a bruising contest with the Ruislip pack continuing to pound the Maids defence and eventually Ruislip drew even just  before half  time. Quick thinking and chasing down from O'Connor prevented a certain right on half time. However playing up the hill again in the second Maids put in a great performance with scrum half's Conor McCarthy and Ben Alderson  providing good service to the team. Great running  from Edwards, Hudson, Heley and Foster stretched the big Ruislip pack and the match ended with a 1-1 draw which set us up for an encounter with Sandal from West Yorkshire.

Playing for a place in the final focused the mind of the Maids' players and the pack led by Cadden were able to contain the Sandal rolling maul and Maids came out 2-1 victors with tries from Cadden and Andrews. The mixture of pick and drive, and wide attack tactics employed by Maids caused Sandal all sorts of problems, but a third try wouldn't come.

At the end of a long a gruelling day Maids had to face the mighty pack of Saracens which proved to be a match too far for the tiring pack. Whilst Saracens were worthy winners Maids came away from the tournament having played some good rugby of which both parents and coaches were proud of. Work to be done, there always is, room for improvement, of course but on a wet and windy Sunday at Saracens the boys showed spirit and character and were justifiably proud of their runners up medals.