U12s' Tournament report

Sunday 12th October 2008
 
 

Maidenhead under 12a
Started strongly in their first game against Aylesbury. It was a very physical affair up front. Despite going behind they stuck at it and eventually were rewarded by a superb Dan Morgan score. 1-1

Next up a game against a much fancied Tring. At 0 -0 early in the second half it looked like a matter of time before Maids scored. Sadly an injury to David James requiring ambulance attendance visibly shook them and they conceded one try on the restart. 0-1

Next up a very organised Henley who were at this stage unbeaten. Maids had much the better of Henley during the first half and were unlucky to concede a try on the stroke of half time. Again Maids demonstrated superior forward domination in the second half but to their credit Henley defended well and so the score stayed at 0-1

Maids next faced Newbury and went ahead soon after kick off following a sublime run from Ellie Rayer. By now the heat and lack of any subs was beginning to tell and Maids went down 1-2

Finally we faced Oxford Harlequins. Massive forward pressure from the kick off Connor Stevens crossed. More of the same from the restart led to a Try from Daniel Morgan/Christopher Gill. Oxford got a late consolation final score 2-1

Although only coming 5th in their pool of 6 Maidenhead A Team can be proud that they never conceded more than a one try win and were more than a match for any team they played. If you are in year seven at school or you know a child who is come and join us at 10am Sunday mornings at Braywick.

Maidenhead U12b
On a gloriously sunny day at Braywick Park, Maidenhead U12s Bs performed solidly in the Maidenhead Tournament, not featuring in the silverware, drawing two games and losing three, but never conceding more than one try in any game.    The massive defensive effort was evident in the game against Henley, when scrum half Chris Corio and centre Henry Reeve, who were both outstanding, made numerous try saving tackles against a mobile set of Henley backs.   Second Row forward Richard Hurst and Hooker Chris Morgan also were outstanding, competing ferociously at the breakdown, with the other forwards Luke Jordan, Ross Monro, Harris Maidment and Jack Chapman stepping up to the mark throughout the day despite running on empty with the heat.   Prop James Cook deserves specific mention, putting his body on the line with a number of bone-crushing tackles in the centre of the park.

Games against Oxford Harlequins, Newbury and Amersham followed and all were very tight games with very little between the teams.   In the backs Fly Half Cameron Gibson, and centres Nick Burnage and Liam Haines were defensively sound, with wingers Noah Auman and Chris Mailliard excellent in support.   Full back Ollie Murphy once again provided moments of genius in attack and Ollie Newton showed how strong he can be with the ball in hand.

In summary, Maidenhead didn't quite get the rub of the green, but a good start to the new season.