MRFC U16's v Harpenden 6/2/00

Maidenhead Under 16's travelled to Harpenden on Sunday, who are the current Hertfordshire County Under 16's Champions, and have enjoyed an unbeaten run this season. They start strongly and soon opened their account when quick thinking from scrum half Gareth Edwards saw him make a lightening break around the blind side of the scrum and sprint over from 10 meters. The re-start caught Maids on the back foot and strong forward pressure from the home side saw them close to the visitors try line. Harp's won a scrum and set up a rolling maul which was poorly defended and whilst they were held up short, the second row touched down with a double movement, with the referee poorly positioned and the try was awarded to see them draw level at 5-5.

This had the effect of stinging Maids into action, with Jonathan Hammond putting in some elusive runs down the centre and keeping the ball alive for the support players. Christian Pedersen made a strong break from the loose and set up fast second phase ball for flanker Chris Cracknell to pick up and drive on, before he flipped a short pass to Guest who had an opening to run in under the post, with Simon Ward converting.

Winger Matt Ansell collected a long clearance and ran the ball straight back to them, before drawing the defence and sending a bullet pass to the other winger, Damian Bell who was in full flight. Bell did really well to hold the pass and then went into overdrive and the defenders were unable to match his scorching pace as he went over, with Ward adding another conversion. About half way through the first half Maids forward got a grip on the game and started to turn on the pressure The next passage of play was outstanding and it all started when hooker, Jay Bowden struck a great ball against the head and another quicksilver break from Edwards saw him go on a looping run up the left wing. As he drew the cover defence, winger Bell decided to take the ball on the scissors, with his pace and line piercing the flat cover and he deservedly raced over the line for probably the try of the season.

Just before the break, good ball down the line allowed outside centre Simon Ward, to show great vision when he delivered a missed pass to winger Ansell, who was unstoppable racing toward the goal line to touch down, bringing the score to 29-5 at the interval. In the second half Maids took their foot of the throttle somewhat but some great offensive play by fly-half Dan Martin culminated in a great run over try for Ward, after good forward driving by Chris Young and Tom Wilding. Maids added their second try of the second half when winger Bell cut in from the left and Lee Page was on hand to slip the ball outside to winger Ian Lee who sprinted into the corner.

Coach Simon Edwards was delighted with a great team performance, which demonstrated strong commitment, great teamwork and all round support play earning them a deserved victory.

Next week sees the squad entertain London Welsh, with the home team being without the services of 6 players who are on South West Under 16 representative duties.