U10Bs do themselves proud at tough Chippenham Tournament

Sunday 29th March 2009

On a day of tough opposition, the U10Bs did themselves very proud. The unfortunate draw saw them come up against three A teams and only one other B team in the group stages. The Stags had a particular challenge because they only had nine boys in their squad and no substitutes - so everyone had to stay fit and strong throughout the event!..and they sure did!

The first match was against the Stroud and, despite losing 2-0, the boys showed tremendous strength in the scrum through Holden, Smith and Hill, often winning ball against the head. Fast delivery from the scrum by the vigilant Peberdy saw some great passing moves but we were unable to break down an unusually large opposition.

Next was Bath's A team, who had just won their first match 8-0! Again, the scrum stayed strong, and Sanders, Rushton and Banks had some great runs with the rest of the three-quarters in support. The highlight was when the Maids managed to break through the Bath defence, when another fast delivery from Peberdy sent Sanders on a long run; he was tackled but then beautifully off-loaded the ball to Smith who crashed the ball over the line. Moreland and Hill, in particular, showed tremendous courage to tackle the giants on the Bath team, to stop them breaking through and limit the loss to 3-1.

Next came the hosts, Chippenham As, which again saw some real grit and spirit from Hill and Moreland - men on a mission! - a quick footed display from newly-shoed Banks and a wonderful try-stopping tackle from Cowland. But we couldn't stop Chippenham running in three unanswered tries.

That left the last match versus Salisbury Bs - the only B vs B match for MRFC. A tactical switch, with Cowland, adding a new dimension to the scrum and a strapped up Holden strengthening the defensive line, saw Maids save their best performance to the last game. Great teamwork saw efficient rucking, quick ball, an impenetrable defensive line and then Rushton crossed the line with a hat-trick of skilful tries and another try from the ever-focused Smith - and a 4-0 win! A truly impressive display from the Bs today.

Maidenhead U10 Bs: Rushton, Smith, Hill, Sanders, Peberdy, Holden, Moreland, Cowland and Banks.