MRFC U17's v Marlow 12/12/99

Maidenhead U17s maintained their unbeaten record with a decisive victory over local rivals Marlow, at Braywick on Sunday. Because of injuries, non-availability due to trials and sickness, Maids combined their U16s & U17s squad to field a scratch team, which took the first half of the match to find its rhythm. From the start, Marlow had their hosts under pressure and Maids were saved by the visitors infringing and conceding penalties. However, Marlow looked much the more effective team, with their forwards dominating the lineout and constantly putting the Maids pack into reverse.

Eventually, the Marlow pressure resulted in a kick ahead and chase for the visitors to open the scoring. From the restart, Maids were determined to take play to Marlow, and the backs combined usefully to gain ground before a handling error allowed Marlow to regain possession and kick deep into Maids territory. Poor covering defence from the home team, allowed Marlow to score in the corner after some slick handling. At half time, the home team were 10 – 0 down and beginning to show signs of despondency.

Coach, Ces Shaw, made several substitutions and gave advice and encouragement to the Maids team, and from the restart, Maids showed their determination to take the game to the visitors. Good handling and driving by the Maids forwards took play to within 10 metres of the Marlow line. From a ruck, the ball passed through several hands until Stuart Douglas, looping around the opposition, crossed for Maids first score. This revitalised the home side and the next score followed quickly when again, good handling by the backs, saw the ball pass to Robert Findlay who crossed for his first try, which was converted by Douglas, for Maids to take the lead at 12 – 10.

From the restart, Marlow gained possession through poor fielding by Maids, but a ferocious tackle on a Marlow player caused the ball to spill, Maids cleaned up possession and the ball went wide to Christian Austin who steamed along the touchline to score in the corner. This was converted by Murphy, from the touchline.

Again, poor fielding allowed Marlow to take possession from the restart, and the visitors threatened the home team’s line. Good defence kept Marlow out and a clearance kick by Murphy was handled badly by the Marlow full back, conceding a scrum in the process. Lambden struck cleanly, and scrum half Murphy broke to the blindside, and galloped along the touchline before being forced into touch. Maids won the lineout and quick ball along the backs line resulted in Findlay powering over for his second try converted by Douglas, to bring the final score to 26 – 10.

Despite being outplayed, throughout the match, in the lineout by the useful Marlow pack, Maidenhead were worthy winners in what was very much a game of two halves.

Maidenhead U17s 26 v Marlow U17s 10