Maidenhead under 13’s lost their unbeaten record in the Berkshire Junior Rugby League at Newbury on Sunday, but can take heart from a spirited performance that could easily have resulted in the scoreline being reversed, had a number of crucial refereeing decisions gone Maids way. The 17-5 scoreline certainly does not reflect the close encounter that ensued, but it will be Newbury who progress forward as favourites to take the title.

Maids had to soak up early pressure from the home side. A knock on from the kick off, gave Newbury the put in to the first scrum. Their strong and well coached pack kept the ball tight as they bulldozed their way toward the visitor’s line. Excellent tackling from both flankers Jamie Plumer and Tom Robinson felled big forwards forcing a knock on and a chance to clear the lines. Newbury rarely brought their backs into play in the early stages, and it was Maidenhead who played the most attractive rugby. Fly half Alex Barnett, involved centres Michael Rubber and Simon Standfast whenever he could, and their fast hands gave flying winger David Geneen several opportunities to show his speed and make valuable ground. But Newbury were also strong in defence, giving no quarter in this evenly balanced match.

The deadlock was finally broken with a piece of individual brilliance. Newbury had been awarded a penalty ten metres from their own line. The clearance kick almost found touch, but Maids full back Matthew Wardle was perfectly placed to take a magnificent catch. He immediately charged forward breaking two tackles. Under pressure, he released a beautiful pass to Robinson who in turn cleverly found lock forward Adrian Griffiths. Griffiths surged forward taking two would be tacklers with him as he dived over the line for the try.

5-0 down, Newbury replied with resurgent effort and Maids were forced to concede a number of penalties, as, once again, the home side’s forwards began to dominate. Their rucking was spectacular, winning possession almost at will and it was only brave tackling from Ben Sedler and James Emmanuel that protected the narrow lead. Frustrated with their inability to break through the stout Maidenhead defence, the Newbury scrum half span the ball wide. Their left winger looked certain to score, but a last gasp tackle from full back Matthew Wardle and winger Greg Burgess seemed to have pushed the Newbury player against the corner flag, and therefore, into touch, before the ball was grounded over the line. The referee awarded a try to Newbury, and Maids could count themselves unlucky to be pegged back to level terms.

The second half was equally exciting, both teams giving all in their quest. The Maids front row of Kaz Jasnikowski, Grant Shearer and Emmanuel worked tirelessly at close quarters with their opposition and, as much as the home side dominated ruck situations, the Braywick side were superior in the line out, with the tall Carl Corcoran taking the lions share of possession with fine catches.

Maids looked the most likely to score in the early moments of the second half with scrum half Peter Neill finding Griffiths with a well timed pass and then feeding Corcoran, but both efforts were foiled close to the line. Newbury scored their second try somewhat against the run of play. A poor defensive kick from Maids, gifted away possession, and a couple of missed tackles later, Newbury were able to squeeze over in the corner.

Maids then rallied as they got their backs into the game. Both wingers Burgess and Geneen nearly broke through. After several phases, Burgess looked to be clear after a pass from Standfast, only to be pulled back by the referee who adjudged it forward. The decision did not deter the visitors as Shearer took the resulting scrum against the head. Slick passing let in Griffiths for another of his surging runs from close range. Showing great strength, he forced his way over the line, seeming to ground the ball, only to be frustrated once more by the referee who ruled that he had been held up. Maids were unable to convert from the resulting five metre scrum.

As the match neared its conclusion, Maids rang the changes, but Newbury added to their tally close to the end with a try under the posts, running out fortunate 17-5 victors.