U12s reach semi-finals of Cleve tournament

17th April 2005

Maidenhead Under 12s put in an excellent display of attacking rugby against a line-up of well-drilled West Country opponents to reach the semi-finals of the Cleve tournament on Sunday 17 April.

Having finished unbeaten and equal on points at the head of their pool, the Maids missed out on the top spot only through scoring one try less. They were then halted in the semi-finals by their hosts.

The boys continued their trophy-winning form from the recent Malone tournament with a fine 15.0 victory in their opening game against Cleve B. The speed and accuracy of the Backs’ passing underpinned the win. Elliot Reid, Paul Sayers and Tom Bunn scored, assisted by quick hands from Morgan Davies and TJ Hudson. In the next match, Bath battled hard but had no answer to the Maids’ skill and determination in all departments. The boys had worked hard on their scrummaging and the extra possession this gained paid dividends throughout the tournament. Sayers scored all three tries in another 15.0 victory.

The boys didn’t flinch against a larger, powerful Dursley side in the final game. Having gifted their opponents the opening try, the Maids equalised with Alex Jones bundling the ball over and could have snatched victory with better ball handling. David Walker and Oliver Evans impressively outpaced Dursley on the wings while Forwards James Parrot and Charlie Wickham-Smith kept their pack at bay.

The results set up the Maids for a tough semi-final against the winners of the other pool, Cleve. The boys contained a classy Cleve side for most of the match and might have levelled their opponent’s first half try. But two further well-executed tries put the final out of reach for this year.

The team were: Elliot Reid, Morgan Davies, Paul Sayers, Paul Sweeney, Oliver Evans, Alex Jones, David Walker, Miguela Kerrins, James Parrott, Tom Simpson, TJ Hudson, Sam Yates, Tom Bunn, Rory Creffield, Michael James, Charlie Wickham-Smith, Daniel Tydeman.

Farewell John
This was the last tournament in charge for coach John McCarthy before his transatlantic departure with his family to the USA, where he will doubtless champion the cause of rugby with his customary zeal. John will be much missed by the boys, coaches and parents. Many thanks from us all and good luck in the future!