U15s edge Windsor in close game

Maidenhead U15s 10 v Windsor U15s 8
13th January 2008

The Under 15s edged this closely fought Berkshire league match with a narrow 10.8 win. Windsor started the more co-ordinated side and deservedly led 8.0 midway through the first half. But Maids hit back with a devastating counterattack through Elliot Reid's solo effort to pull the score back to 5.8 at the break. It was all-out attack from Maids in the second half as Windsor defended resolutely for the closing 20 minutes, thwarting every attempt by Maids to get over the line. Except one. In the last move of the game Full Back Michael Hapgood found space wide on the right to settle the match.

A billowing wind tore across the pitch at Braywick and having won the toss the home side opted to play into the breeze. From the kick-off, Windsor harried and hassled Maids, who could count themselves lucky the visitors didn't make more of their early domination.

While Windsor were quickly into their stride, Maids struggled to find rhythm and cohesion. With the match against Newbury cancelled just before Christmas, Maids hadn't played competitively since the excellent win over Chinnor at the end of November and the rust showed in places.

Windsor kept Maids on the back foot as the home side lost possession too easily and made a catalogue of unforced errors. Slick passing by Windsor's Backs threatened to expose gaps in Maids' defence. From a cheaply-given penalty, Windsor were able to spread the ball wide where they found acres of space to score. Minutes later, Windsor wisely opted to kick another penalty and eased into an 8.0 lead.

However, Maids were slowly working themselves back into the game, albeit with little to show for their efforts. Too often they lost possession, with Windsor counter-rucking effectively. But as Maids' Forwards began to impose themselves more they forced errors by Windsor. The second-row partnership of Ben Malone and Mike James was beginning to have an impact.

From a tap and go penalty Scrum Half Paul Sayers flicked the ball to Elliot, who played Maids' "get out of jail" card by tearing through a static Windsor defence from the half way line. Things didn't look quite so bad with a half-time deficit of only 5.8, and the wind behind them for the second period.

Not surprisingly, Maids began to impose themselves more, especially in the Forwards where they had often been slowest to the breakdowns. They were now pinning Windsor back behind their 22-metre line but just couldn't break through the visitor's defence. A crucial decision not to kick a penalty from under the posts looked like it might lose Maids the match as Windsor grimly held on.

Windsor rarely broke out of their half but with Maids wasting opportunities it mattered little. James Brooks struck two excellent kicks into touch deep in the opponent's half for Maids to gain vital territory. Ben Malone burst out at a ruck and found himself in space with just yards to run but the referee had noticed an infringement at the break down. A determined rearguard action by Windsor saw the ball twice held up over the line. Thomas Simpson and George Martin both went close.

As the clock ticked quickly down to injury time Maids were just metres out but Windsor refused to buckle. The opportunity to level the scores from another penalty, again right under the posts, was passed up as the boys went for bust. It was almost too much for some of the watching coaches and parents. With the last move of the match, the ever-reliable Michael Hapgood found the pace and determination to outrun two defenders and score.

In the end, Maids' desire and commitment overcame Windsor's belief that they could hold on and win, with the boys' second-half pressure proving enough. Windsor really took the game to Maids and demonstrated that this season will be tougher than ever.