U17s let victory slip through their fingers at Windsor

Windsor U17s 13 v Maidenhead U17s 12
Sunday 11th September 2005

Maidenhead U17’s started their 2005/6 campaign with a pre-league season friendly against Windsor. The cricketers on the neighbouring pitch looked out of place on a dank autumnal day, ideal conditions for rugby.

This was new coach Nick Lee’s first match in charge of the team and he was probably remembering the stories from last season, when at U16 level the same team lost to Windsor by some 50 points. As it was, this turned out to be a close fought contest, which Maidenhead had several opportunities to win and which kept the touchline supporters on tenterhooks right up to the final whistle.

The benefit of Maids’ pre-season training sessions was amply demonstrated in an outstanding first half performance. Facing a much larger pack, the Maids’ forwards more than held their own. Excellent technique backed up by great determination meant that Maids more than held their own in the forward exchanges, looking comfortable in the set pieces and winning good ball in the loose. The front 5 looked especially solid, although heavily outweighed and lacking in height.

With ample possession, the Maidenhead three quarters had plenty of chances to show their paces. Mike Skelton looked very incisive in the centre and the two wings, James Henly and Jack Penrose, were a constant threat. It was at this phase of the match that Maids could and should have run in 2 or 3 tries, misses they would regret at the final whistle.

The Windsor backs, with restricted ball, were usually content to kick away that which they did get. However, it was Windsor who opened the scoring with an unconverted try. In a Maidenhead attack, the ball went to ground and Windsor kicked ahead and won the race to the line.

Maidenhead’s response was immediate. Windsor managed to repel two determined Maidenhead attacks, but after 2 minutes Mike Skelton picked up a loose ball and shot over for an unconverted try. Maidenhead added to their lead just before half time with the try of the match. From a move which started deep in their own half, the Maidenhead backs released winger Jack Penrose at the halfway line. Jack outpaced the defence for a try which was converted by Dean Rogers. At half time Maids were leading 12-5 and looking in control.

Whether it was loss of concentration, or whether the weight of the Windsor pack started to take its toll, but Maids never looked the same in the second half. The forwards struggled to maintain the flow of good possession and faced with living increasingly off scraps, the backs started making unaccustomed handling errors. So it was no surprise when Windsor finally set their three- quarters in motion and ran in an unconverted try on the left wing. Although Windsor were now exerting more pressure, Maidenhead still looked as if they could hang onto their 2 point lead. But, after a period of Windsor pressure they gave away a penalty in front of the posts to go into a one point deficit, which they were unable to claw back before the final whistle.

Newcomer James Kudamaku came on at fullback in the second half and showed enough to indicate that he could be a valuable addition to the team. Maidenhead will regret having lost, but the signs are that they have a committed and well drilled squad which will win some good games this season.