|
U14s too strong for Abbey Maidenhead
U14s 28 v Reading Abbey U14s 3 |
|||
 |
|||
|
After a nervy start, Maids fired up and outgunned a well-disciplined Abbey side, which arrived at a blustery Braywick with a string of impressive league performances under their belts. The visitors had only narrowly lost to league leaders Newbury and they started better organised and more focused. Maids were immediately on the backfoot and gave away a succession of cheap penalties, often for unwisely opting to discuss the finer nuances of the referee's decisions. Abbey were gifted territory as a result and once within range, despite the very strong wind, kicked confidently to go 3.0 up. The fact that these were the only points they managed for the remainder of the match speaks volumes for Maidenhead's workrate and team spirit. Backs and Forwards linked together excellently time and again and the tries started to flow. All Maids' tries came from the unstoppable Thomas Simpson on the wing and the boot of Paul Sayers, who landed all the conversions. After Abbey's early domination of possession to peg back Maids, the visitors had no answer to the speed of the home side's slick passing. Ben Pritchard and Elliott Reid combined to set Thomas off for his first try. Oliver Evans's penetrating runs gained territory. Matt Quinn, Josh Turvey and Alex Jones were strong in the mauls. Michael Habgood and George Kirk worked hard to create overlaps on the wings for Thomas to exploit. Rory Creffield and Richard Wright put in strong tackles. By half-time, the boys had reversed the situation and led 21.3. A shoulder injury to Mitch Burns, which required an ambulance also necessitated a pitch change at half-time. The new location was even windier but that, and Abbey's renewed determination, failed to unsettle the boys who carried on where they left off - deep in visitor's half of the pitch. However Abbey rallied and the second half was more evenly matched. But although Abbey put the home side under pressure they couldn't penetrate their defence. Maids were always quick to close down danger and force errors by the visitors. It was again Thomas and Paul to land the points and ensure another excellent league win. After the Easter break, the boys prepare for the final match of the season, against Redingensians, the outcome of which will determine the final league placings. Tries: Cons: Squad: |
|||
 |
|||
 |
|||
 |