Super Maids is the new supporters chant for the under 13’s. David Sedler can’t stop singing it (Well played Ben). We’ll try and publish Sam Geneen’s sunbathing technique at Pontins when the photos get developed (If they are not confiscated by the authorities first!). Congrats also to ‘The Prowler’ as it was his last time in charge of the team (The water bucket over the head was an excellent chuckle). We must try and stop our boys getting injured off the pitch next time…Simon – Try and stay on the rides in future…Michael – try and get as far as the rides next time! The Indian restaurant was the highlight on the food front (bad luck on those who didn’t make it) and the Sun cabaret at the fairground was the lowlight (bad luck on those who did make it!), it was enough to drive you to booze. Surprise of the weekend was never once seeing Mark O’Connor face down on the bar floor and most relaxing moment was sharing that bottle of Fundador with Bob Barnett and John Fair (Who cared about the Spurs result anyway?!) The first degree burns from the magnificent sunshine have just about healed up now so look forward to seeing everybody at the end of season BBQ……Cheers for now……...

Maidenhead under 13’s repelled all-comers, winning the Pontins two day rugby festival held at Burnham-On-Sea Rugby Club, Somerset last weekend. In the top age group, Maids took on opponents from all over the UK and their remarkable two day effort over seven matches produced fourteen tries, conceding only one on their way to capturing the trophy.

Flying winger, David Geneen bagged six tries, finishing top scorer in the competition, capping a fine individual performance.

Maids first encounter was against the Midlands side from Walsall, and although the Braywick team were slow to start, Geneen was soon making the difference, as he collected a poor clearance kick from the Walsall full back to run in a fine individual try. This score provided the platform Maids needed as they upped the pace in the second half. Concerted pressure lead to Maids and Geneen’s second try following a quick tap penalty from fly half Alex Barnett that sealed an opening 10-0 victory.

The Welsh raiders from Lewis Boys School were Maids next opponents. A try in each half from lock forward Carl Corcoran and Geneen resulted in a well-earned 10-0 victory. Corcoran’s first half effort followed a penalty 20 metres out after Lewis Boys were penalised for holding on to the ball after the tackle. His run bulldozed three would be tacklers. Geneen’s spectacular effort came after concerted Lewis Boys pressure on the Maids line. The front row of James Emmanuel, Grant Shearer and Kaz Jasnikowski stood firm allowing the Maids pack to somehow steel the ball. Quick thinking from scrum half Peter Neill gave Full back Matthew Wardle the chance to clear his line which he did with aplomb. The well-placed punt gave the flying Geneen a chance to chase. He had the speed to reach the ball first, showing safe hands, he collected neatly to race the length of the field for the winning try.

Maids’ final match of day 1 was against Kent travellers, Bromley. A tight affair produced little running rugby, but the Braywick side was equal to the task, using the forwards to produce multiple phase play. The strong running of the lock forwards, Adrian Griffiths and Corcoran proved vital. The deadlock was finally broken by right winger Greg Burgess, forcing his way over in the corner after a mazy run. This try was enough to give Maids a narrow 5-0 win.

Day 2 started with a vital match against long distance travellers Doncaster. It was the Northern Raiders who opened their account first with a fine try from their number 8. Sensing victory, Doncaster urged forward piling on the pressure. Breathtaking tackles from inside centre Tom Robinson, ably assisted by his outside centre Robert Morgan kept the match alive. Maids finally got the ball out of their own half and were awarded a scrum for a knock on 30 metres from the try line. Neill chose to move the ball on the blind side, bringing full back Matthew Wardle into the line. His well timed pass found Geneen, who somehow managed to wrestle his way through three tackles to dive over the try line. The match finished 5-5.

Following the Doncaster effort, Maids could have been excused for easing up against Cambridge but there was no such rest. A magnificent interception from Wardle in his own half saw him race the length of the pitch for a fine individual try. Maids were again on the scoresheet following a sweet passing move through the three-quarters culminating with Geneen going clear to score. Geneen secured a 15-0 win with his second try of the match, beating his opposite number on the outside and side stepping the full back.

Hampshire travellers, Basingstoke proved to be a tough nut to crack in the next match. A nail-biting affair ended 5-0 to Maids thanks to a lone try by Corcoran. Burgess had also gone close for the Braywick side and number 8 Ben Sedler made some eye-catching tackles.

Maids final encounter was against Brockworth from Gloucester. This match typified Maids undaunted approach and spoke volumes of their stamina in exceptionally hot conditions. They produced a scintillating display in the first half, running the ball from everywhere. Corcoran scored his third try of the tournament to break the deadlock, and Wardle finished of a magnificent move through the backs, and, when flanker Thurlough O’Connor went over from close range, the victory was virtually sealed. Burgess added Maids final try in the second half to post an impressive 20-0 victory.

Following the seven match bonanza, Maids trophy was presented by Bath and England full back Matt Perry. Congratulations go to all members of the squad:-

David Geneen (6), Carl Corcoran (3), Greg Burgess (2), Matt Wardle (2), Thurlough O’Connor (1), Peter Neill, Alex Barnett, Daniel Fair, Michael Rubber, Tom Robinson, Robert Morgan, Neils Pedersen, Kaz Jaznikowski, Grant Shearer, James Emmanuel, Adrian Griffiths, Henry Newcome, Nicky Fox, Patrick Scanlon, Ross Carne, Simon Standfast, Harrison Shire, Dominic Shepherd, Ben Sedler.