U16s finally start Berks' league with a win against Newbury

Maidenhead U16s 19 Newbury U16s 0
Sunday 11th January 2004
       
 
In a pulsating game of rugby, Maidenhead beat Newbury, by two converted tries and a try to nil. This Berkshire League match showed just how much this Newbury side has improved in the last 12 months, developing a strong tough pack, which never stopped attacking all through the game. They kept Maidenhead pegged down for long stretches of the game, and put real pressure on in the last five minutes when they came close to scoring.
       
       
The game was played in mixed weather conditions, it started in a downpour, which dictated the style of play. Conditions did improve, though the persistent wind and muddy pitch placed limitations on even the most optimistic player. Both sides tried to play attacking rugby, using their backlines, yet the game developed into a full-blooded forward battle. The Maidenhead second row forwards scored three tries, with Tom Plumer scoring twice to Joe Thomas' single try marking his return from an awkward injury.
       
       
Both sides had much to prove, and it led to a rather scrappy period of play, moving up and down the pitch, with many handling errors. Maidenhead's back row trio were quickly in action, Tim Johnson being very quick to the breakdown and maintaining a high work rate all morning. The second row forwards were in their element when Tom Plumer scored over on the right after a rolling maul, converted by Dave Hodgson. In spite of the tricky conditions, Maidenhead's second try was an excellent team try. Dayne Ferrar picked up; Alex Cannon, playing with growing maturity, ran through; Chris Richardson picked up and was brought down setting up the basis of a maul from which Joe Thomas scored near the left post, Dave Hodgson converting.
 
       
At half-time Maidenhead were leading 14-0, and it is to Newbury's great credit that Maidenhead only scored an unconverted try in the second half. Newbury made some fine attacks, and only good defending kept them from scoring. Tom Plumer's second try was another forward effort, finishing off a back move. Dave Hodgson set up a ball, which was driven on by the pack, until Joe Thomas passed to Tom who crashed over. Newbury never stopped attacking, even running the ball out of their 22 at this point. A number of substitutions were made in the last 20 minutes which saw Newbury redoubling their efforts to score and Maidenhead defending for long periods.
       
       
Players put in tremendous efforts to break the second half deadlock, Sam Stefan challenging for a high ball dislocated a finger. Spectators were stunned to see Jack Robinson popping up twice at fly-half attacking Newbury's defensive line, and Pat McSweeney attacking from inside centre. Both sides should be congratulated on an excellent effort, providing an absorbing game of rugby.
       
       
Maidenhead's squad was:
Sam Stefan, Elliot Hawkes, Alex Cannon, Ryan Christian, Dave Hodgson, Chris Richardson, Andrew Hogan, Anthony Lewis, Dayne Ferrar, Chris Adam, Olly Styles, Jack Robinson, Pat McSweeney, Tom Morgan, Ben Tucker, Ashley Hanks, Drew Jones, Joe Thomas, Chris Parrott, Tom Plumer, Tim Johnson, Luke Knowles, Tom Kay.