|
Game One v Keynsham
The west country side
were a big team with a very large pack and they rucked very well,
but Maids were up for the confrontation and they found the physical
nature of this game a challenge but stood their ground and slowly
fought their way back into the game after a bit of a shaky start.
Colin’s try after 2 minutes broke the deadlock and boost the team
spirit as they broke first. Maids slowness on rucking meant the K’s
got more of the ball than we did but found didn’t move the ball quickly
in the backs so our backs found space to attack them back and then
we began to see the ball more. Good support was evident throughout
the game and & handling was superb in the backs. Lewis took the ball
over at 6 mins after drive over the Keynsham line after the forwards
had driven the K’s back backwards 7 metres, but the K’s broke back
quickly and a well worked backs try at 8 mins made the west country
teams heads rise again. The 2nd Half saw K’s fired up and we withstood
pressure for a few minutes but then Angus scored and the strong rucking
from Keynsham was dieing away. The second half was marred by Matt
being taken off after high tackles led to an injury – new recruit
Max came on in replacement and was quickly in the thick of it. Excellent
support and a first win 3-1
Game 2 v Saracen’s
Fez Heads
The boys were boyed up after the first win despite a long wait for
their first game so this was going to be a challenge against the hosts…
Strong rucks - and excellent back running lines moved us close to
their line within in minutes and Matt scored after sustained pressure
on 4 mins. This proved to be the only score in the first half and
we looked in control from the off. The 2nd Half was characterised
by poor handling. We got close to their line again and again but our
handling errors held us back. Some committed tackling led to penalties
on their 5 metre line but we found it too hard to capitalise on it.
This led to a line out after they kicked clear from their lines we
took the ball back to their 5 metre line and - following Marcus strong
run on crash ball we got two penalties again only our handling stopped
the final finish. But our forwards drove the Fez Heads back 7 yards
and George ripped the ball clear and plopped it down behind the line
an excellent drive indeed. Another win and things were going well…
Game 3 v Amersham
& Chiltern
We knew these guys were going to be good – and we had to win to stay
in contention because Tring had been doing well and Amersham too so
this was going to be vital victory…but it wasn’t going to be easy…
We were slow to start and our sleepiness meant we looked the poor
relations in this encounter from the off…the boys were sleep walking
and things were not looking good…. A&C kicked to corner we lost the
line out we went one try down on 3 mins! Despite encouragement from
the sidelines the boys were still sluggish. Colin’s tap & go went
close and we definitely raised our game …JW was planning a rocket
for half time and the boys were called in JW laid down the law...!
2nd Half Securing ball needed more work but we had definitely picked
up the pace…from the kick-off we had to contend with a series of high
tackles but the forwards raised game but still were not phsycal enough
– our scrimmaging was weaker than their and the - tight five were
losing the battle up front. We were slow to convert the ball into
back play and our centres were seeing very little ball. Very disappointing
finish because the team were asleep and not up for this fight, really
a shame after two strong performances the larger pack showed it worth
and we lost because of it.
Game 4 v Tring
It is all in the balance - with the teams equally matched - A&C in
the same position we now have to beat a quick, efficient back line
of Tring. Tring were the best team in the tournament by far and we
had to win. 1st Half This was tough first half - forwards battled
hard and there were very few attempts at the try line – it was close
quarters and rough stuff. Two sets of forwards going hell for leather
and the play was slow and aggressive, we stood our ground and they
stood theirs. We were up for it. The forwards fought and fought but
very little ball ever came the backs way…Tring began to realise they
had to kick to gain any advantages against us…the referee was losing
control and decisions were getting the game into territory where the
players were getting away with murder. No score in first half. 2nd
Half The heated second half came out of the top draw of forwards play
with even some controversy between the coaches and parents after some
high tackles the referee let too much go and the game was looking
poor and overly physical. We were proud of the performance with the
controlled aggression and often dubious play from Tring beginning
to annoy. But in the end the game came out nil-nil and both sides
left the field bloody and battered….a very physical game but we had
thwarted Tring and no one else had done that all day. Tring went on
to lose in the final of the cup. But the good news was that Keynsham
had drawn nil-nil with Amersham and that put Maids in the plate final.
Game 5 The Plate
Final
Not a lot to say here really - Hertford were a strong side but we
looked in control from the off and our back made the difference after
our forwards had caused havoc Hertford has played in the other Pool
and only lost on try count to lose out on the cup final. But tired
legs were beginning to show and some handling problems meant we missed
opportunities. The game swung backwards & forward from two strong
teams...but ultimately we ran out winners by a truly spectacular try
from Lewis – following a brave charge down the ball bounced in front
of the Hertford Team and back towards the Maids line – Lewis in full
flight saw the ball bounce high and leapt like a gazelle catching
the ball well off the ground and over his shoulder, then hit the ground
at full tilt and sped towards the line….he crashed over as startled
the Hertford team still reeling from the charge down.
In many ways a lovely
way to win a final and end the day…. A tournament we could have won
but for one sleepy half against Amersham and Chiltern.
|
