Wasps' coaching inspires U13s to win over Ruislip

15th October 2006

The Maidenhead Under 13 squad welcomed the Wasps Community coaching team to Braywick on Sunday for an hour long session on running lines and decision making.

Wasps’ Community Rugby Manager Dave Larham stated: "Maidenhead RFC epitomise our Community Rugby Partnership because they have embraced our Club and Community Team with open arms, recognising that our flexible partnership is there to benefit both parties. I have enjoyed coaching a number of age groups at Maidenhead RFC during the last four years and look forward to seeing their next James Haskell run out at Adams Park in Black 'n' Gold."

The session certainly seemed to benefit the Maids Bulls squad who then took on visitors Ruislip and enjoyed a blistering first half to see them through to a 24 – 15 victory. This was a great team performance as all of the 22 squad players enjoyed participating in their first full 15 a side match on a full size pitch - so a historic first win under the new rules for their age group. The first half got off to a great start with a try in the first minute after some excellent forward and back play which resulted in Calum O’Flaherty going over in the corner. This set the tone for the opening period as Maidenhead dominated the half running in tries from Iain Whiteford (who also kicked the conversion), Jacob Sanders and a second for O’Flaherty (also converted by Whiteford).

The second half saw a change from Ruislip who came out spirited and Maidenhead, having rotated the squad, needed to show their resolve and make their tackles. Ruislip powered over for 3 unconverted tries which set up a tense last few minutes, but ultimately the defence held out and the squad’s first match resulted in a first win!