U12s at the Chippenham Festival

Sunday 29th March 2009

Under 12A
A very early start and the clocks going forward did little to dampen the spirits of the Maidenhead under 12 A team after the long trip to The Wiltshire Tournament held at Chippenham on Sunday

Traditional slow starters, they tore up the form book with impressive play from the off. The forwards and backs combined time after time in the first two matches to run in several tries in each game without conceding. Debutante A stand off Liam Haines stepped up to the mark impressively.

Next game saw them up against much fancied and unbeaten Welsh team Cowbridge. In a hugely physical encounter the Maids did not take a backward step and were slightly unlucky as some of the ref's decisions went against them. They eventually went down 2-0 in a breathless affair that saw a good try ruled out for a forward pass.

They won the remainder of the games easing into a final against Wootton Basset. The opponents scored early in the first half. The Ref mysteriously ended the half immediately after awarding Maids a penalty they were not allowed to take! The second half saw some heroic defending as they repelled heavy pressure. Daniel Morgan was inch perfect with a penalty kick to the corner. Following the set piece Connor Stevens powered over to equalise moments from full time. Despite the sterling work they were denied a share of the spoils as 'victory' was bizarrely handed to the team that scored first! A great day all the same.

Under 12B
On arrival we were surprised that the B team had been pitched in a pool which consisted almost exclusively of quality A team opposition. That did not deter them one bit. To their massive credit they managed to raise themselves game after game. They were beaten by Chippenham but not daunted. Stand out player Nick Burnage playing in an unfamiliar role in the second row was impressive with his mobility passion and commitment. Against Bath A they did managed an early score and held on bravely. Michael Egan excelled with a text book display of fearless tackling. They eventually went down to the A team from the West Country.

Undeterred the B team went on to win well again Salisbury B team with Harris Maidment showing how he had developed as a player over the last few months. All in all the boys showed great heart and spirit to hold their own and the promise to develop into a class act.