U15s entertain Guildford and Wimbledon

Maidenhead U15s entertained visitors from Guildford and Wimbledon for our first fixture of the new season. The squad produced some fine flowing rugby, demonstrated commitment in defence, supported each other well and ultimately ran out overall winners, beating Guildford 12-7 and Wimbledon 12-0. Guildford beat Wimbledon 12-5.

The first period of play saw Maidenhead take on Guildford, and Maidenhead dominated from the off. A number of forays into Guildford territory resulted in a beautifully crafted try for Hudson in the centre. Heley made easy work of the conversion. From the restart Maidenhead were soon in control, but stiff defence from Guildford frustrated the attacks. Maids also frustrated themselves, wasting some good positions and try scoring opportunities by not looking at their options and making best use of them – after all rugby is a team game. However at the end of the first period, Heley produced a delightful cross kick for Wright to outpace the defence, gather and score. Unfortunately he turned his ankle in the process and could play no further part in the day’s activities. Heley’s touchline kick was short and the first period was over, 12-0 to Maidenhead.

Guildford then took on Wimbledon. Wimbledon started well and soon had Guildford reeling with a series of forward charges and strong running in the backs. Wimbledon scored the only try of this period but failed to convert it, running out 5-0 up.

Maids were then back on against Wimbledon, bringing on the rest of the squad players. This was a very evenly matched period of play, with the forwards and backs effectively cancelling each other out. Nonetheless a strong period of forward driving by Maids set up a close range try for Townsend. O’Brien made the goal. Maids finished up 7-0.

Maids then remained on the pitch to take on Guildford for the second time. The Guildford team talk obviously had the desired effect as they cam out blazing. Maids soaked up the pressure and started to apply some of their own. It seemed inevitable that Maids would score, but on several occasions the ball was moved the wrong way or the final pass not given. This period was summed up perfectly when O’Byrne crossed the line only to have the ball knocked from his grasp as he tried to touch down. Guildford stuck to their own game, cleared their lines and started to gain confidence in attack at the other end. A couple of strong breaks from their back row and centres resulted in a well deserved try which was converted for them to win the second period 0-7.

Guildford then took on Wimbledon for the second time and continued as they had played against Maidenhead, scoring 2 well taken tries and converting one of them to run out 12-0 winners of this period.

Maidenhead’s final period of play was against Wimbledon. Maids dominated this period, but again failed to fully capitalise on their ascendancy due predominantly to early season rustiness. Eventually Alderson crossed the line, but Heley could not convert. There was no more scoring so Maids won the final period 5-0.

This was an encouraging first run out for the squad. And with three useful new additions in King, McKenzie and Stevenson, showed some very exciting play during the morning. They should be well satisfied with their performance and can now take on Chinnor next week with confidence.