U11As lose out to eventual winners at Saracens' Tournament

Sunday 16th November 2008

The Maidenhead U11 A squad worked hard and delivered some excellent rugby at the Saracens' Minis Festival on Sunday 16 November, conceding only 2 tries and fairing 3rd overall in the tournament.

In their first game, Amersham & Chiltern pushed forward from the start and quickly scored their first try. Maids didn't let this continue though, attacking hard and as a squad to keep the score at 1 try to nil at half-time. In the second half, and with more vigour, Maids pushed hard with strong rucking and mauling and superb chasing and tackling from Ben Gordon, Julian Guy, Joel Greene and Umar Marriott. Scott Prince broke from the pack for a great run and was tackled just short of the try line. Maids kept up the pressure but Amersham & Chiltern proved stronger on the day, scoring their second try in the second half. Final result was 10 - nil to Amersham & Chiltern.

In their second match and geared up for a win, Maids demonstrated their strength and domination, beating Saracens Fez Heads comfortably in a 20 - nil victory. Working as a determined squad, Maids won many scrums and with great passing and chasing Scott Prince scored the first try for Maids in the first half of the match. Continuing their drive and sound support in the second half with a terrific run from Ben Gordon, who passed the ball swiftly to Julian Guy who continued the run effectively and outrunning the opposition to score Maids' second try. Jack Turner demonstrated his determination, ripping the ball and making his run for a try but was brought down just short of the try line. After a determined scrum and great drive, Shane McKenna drove the pack over the try line to score Maids' third try and this was quickly followed up by another great run by Julian Guy to score Maids' forth and match winning try.

In their third and final pool match, Maids faced Harrow. This match was a much more evenly balanced game, with all the action during the first half in the middle of the pitch with both teams working hard to win the ball, but the score was 0 - 0 at half time. At the beginning of the second half, Maids continued their team effort, winning scrums, pushing and driving hard, particularly Umar Marriott who ripped the ball, pushed hard amongst the pack and scored Maids' first try. Driven on by this, Maids continued to attack hard with a great pass from Abigail Dow from the scrum to Julian Guy, who stormed up the pitch and scored Maids' second try. Final score was 10 - nil to Maids.