Maidenhead U14s 37 Redingensians U14s 7
Maidenhead U14s continued their winning ways this weekend with a superb performance against strong local rivals Redingensians. The match ended up 37 points to 7, with Maidenhead securing the 4 try bonus point just before half time. However, the score line doesn’t tell the whole story and much credit should go to the Redingensian forwards, who battled all game and forced a number of turnovers by getting players to the breakdown ahead of the Maidenhead pack. Other than this the Maidenhead forwards matched their opposition and looked particularly strong at the set pieces. The front Row of Avery, McGregor and Dutton scummaged superbly, providing an excellent platform for half backs Hill and Garius to set the exciting backline into action. Hooker McGregor also had a good day picking out his jumpers in the lineout and the second row pairing of Kennedy and Fishwick dominated the aerial battle. The Back row of Balmer, Bateson, Pomroy and replacement second row Horn, had to work hard in defence as the big Redingensian forwards favorite attacking option was to crash down the narrow channels. This direct approach resulted in their only try of the game half way through the second half.

This game however was defined by the performance of the outstanding Maidenhead backline. Whenever they got the ball they looked dangerous and were able to attack all channels with strength and pace. The immensely strong inside centre Ollie Wilson wreaked havoc through the middle, while outside centre Bradley Wright linked well with the back three to attack out wide. Kerins pace at Full Back was electric and every time he joined the line he caused problems for the defence. It is testament to the skill, teamwork and support play of this backline that Wilson, Wright, Hill and Kerins all scored tries, with Man of The Match Repetto bagging a brace on the left wing. Full Back Kerins also had a superb game defensively, running any kicked ball straight back at Redingensians making this a very poor option for the visiting team. Right wing Adam Piper also looked sharp after returning from a long term injury and was only denied getting his name on the score sheet by some excellent Redingensian tackling.

Apart from a five minute spell half way through the second half, Maidenhead dominated this game and seem to be getting better and better with each match. Maidenhead’s Bertie Kennedy was recognised by the Redingensian coaches as their Man of the Match while Emi Repetto was voted Man of the Match by the Maidenhead players. Well done to both, although all players should be congratulated for an immensely strong team performance.

Team: Kerins, Piper, Wright, Wilson, Repetto, Garius, Hill, Avery, McGregor, Dutton, Fishwick, Kennedy, Pomroy, Balmer (c), Bateson. Replacement: Horn.

John Wanklyn
A Team Coach

Berks U14s	Pld	Pts
Maidenhead	3	14
Reading	2	8
Windsor	2	6
Newbury	2	6
Redingensians	2	5
Abbey	1	1
Aldermaston	1	0
Bracknell	3	0

Maidenhead Rangers U14s 10 Tring U14s B 12
Maids took the game to Tring from the kickoff with good forward rucking and penetrating runs from the backs. Man of the match, Hickey, at no.8 was impressive with some great tackling and so often first to the breakdown but it was fellow forward Martin who went over for two tries from short range driving back the Tring defence. Tring had their own powerful forwards who scored two in reply. The game ended with two tries each, Maids being edged out from a draw by the single conversion of the day to lose 10 to 12. Although the scoring was dominated by the two packs there were great probing runs from O'Keeffe, Matera and Scott and a first outing for Harris at fly half. All in all a great performance against a side lying second in the Hertfordshire B team league.

Team: Kiddell, O'Keeffe, Matera, Scott, Brown, Harris, Egan, Gagnon, Bourne, Preston, Martin (c), Corio, Medcraft, Pillai, Hickey. Replacement: Matthews

Steve Bourne
B Team Coach