Maidenhead U13s 31 v Cobham U13s 0
Sunday 20th February 2005

Maids convincing against Cobham

Well, well, well the season is all ups and downs this weekend proved that.

On Saturday the U13s played an exhibition game against Phoenix and lost comprehensively... But to be fair this was against a Phoenix made up of a lot of 14 year olds - which was reflected in the injury list after the game.

After starting well Maids were 15 nil up but things changed when Phoenix saw their weight and height advantage as a force to bring to bear - the game swung to Phoenix quickly when two county sprinters came on for Phoenix and Maids backs had no answer for their speed.

What did we learn from that ? Err...don't play rugby against older boys !

However the match on Sunday against U13s again proved completely different. Cobham were the visitors and always come with a tough team to play..m Sunday was no different. But Maids rose to the challenge and in a hard fought, and sometime fractious, game Maids came out 31-nil winners.

Determined forwards play and clever handling and running in the backs meant Maids cruised to win. The backs were lethal in counterattack and proved dangerous even under pressure. Good kicking and strong play from the back row meant grit overcame in the battle.

The game was punctuated with moments of dissent and the odd provocation of the referee but it isn't tiddlywinks out there and none of it detracted from the game's high intensity.

I think both sides of supporters enjoyed the game and we know Cobham have a strong ethos and club spirit so they will bounce back from this defeat quickly. We will need to be on our guard for a return fixture.

Thoroughly enjoyable rugby played at pace and in good sporting tradition. Next week it's Bracknell and we need a win in the league, but confidence is high and determination will be needed.

Boys - remember training Wednesday evening.