Parents and supporters show true U15 mettle

Sunday 23rd November 2008

Maidenhead U15 Bulls 38 v Esher Bs 12
Maidenhead U15 Stags 47 v Esher As 0

Maids U15 Bulls 38pts, Esher Bs 12pts
Sometimes the most interesting story is to be found, literally, on the sidelines. Braving the freezing rain and biting wind, Maidenhead’s finest witnessed their sons comprehensively outplay all that Esher RFC U15s could muster on Sunday. The talent of the rugby players was matched by the dogged and cheerful commitment of their family and friends, so seldom celebrated.

The Bulls spent the first few minutes coming to terms with the conditions and the opposition. Martin Sanders’ lad eventually found his way to the line after continually increasing pressure from forwards and backs. Relaxed by the first try, the home spectators began to enjoy themselves despite the horrible conditions. Martin’s early triumph was quickly followed with another when a scrum won against the head enabled Jacob to pick up and score on the blind side. A minute later, the Surya family were cheering Dhruv’s chase and exploitation of a horrible fullback fumble. Peter Brooks was happy with Fraser’s two conversions out of three and the half finished 19 to nil.

The second half brought a storming hat trick for the Allen family, Tom confirming that he is another lock forward who runs like a winger. Brooks landed two conversions from three again; well done Peter. The Esher supporters came back a little during the second half, with two well-deserved though unconverted tries driven in by vocal and enthusiastic shouting and encouragement. 38-12 was probably a fair result. Notable forward performances included Sanders, Edney, Cronbach and Allen, all of whose shouting was clearly motivational for their sons, who played out of their skins. In the backs, Fraser Brooks had a fantastic game in both attack and defence; good feet and good hands but a little quiet, just like his Dad.

Maidenhead U15 Stags 47pts, Esher As 0pts
Julie MacSwan had obviously had her Weetabix; or possibly three Shredded Wheat. Lawrence opened the Stags’ scoring with a fairly simple try after Esher had failed to deal with the powerful running of Sam Balfour. After a switch of pitch to accommodate the Trevena helicopter ambulance service (best wishes to the Esher player with a shoulder injury), the Reverend Mark’s lad scored in his own right after what can only be called offensive defence by himself and MacSwan had panicked the Esher backs.

Both first half tries were converted by Mechtild’s middle son Dominik.

The second half was more one-sided with two more tries for Julie MacSwan, one for each of the Coric and Olivier families and one, fittingly, for the Barts. To utter amazement, Bart missed the conversion of his own try, having nailed the previous six. Could do better, Mechtild.

As the season builds to the highlights of a Berkshire League competition starting on December 14, it is worth remembering and celebrating the social and collective value of youth rugby. As well as the 50 or more Maidenhead supporters, Esher brought with them at least 30 enthusiastic rugby people to support their own young players. Every opportunity to speak to visitors and make them welcome spreads the message of Rugby Union and the reputation of Maidenhead RFC. Parents and supporters matter. Come on you Maids.

Supporters with the X Factor, in no particular order:
Andrews-Jones, Nicol, Whiteford, Edney, Hull, Orchard, Keir, Cronbach, Allen, Evans, Sullivan-Paul, Crosbie, Scolari, Sanders, Carn, Hibberdine, Brooks, Khindria, McHugh, Dingwall, Surya, McCarthy, Orwin, Thomas, Thomas, Gillan, Avery, Hine, Kaye, O’Flaherty, Jones, Reid, Coric, McCulloch, Bello, Bart, Balfour, Basson, Jones, Thompson, MacSwan, Olivier, Eckles, Anderson, Smith, Trevena, Bates and Collins.

Along with the parents, it was particularly good to see injured players Daniel Andrews-Jones, Iain Whiteford and Ed Kaye cheering both squads on, despite their own frustration at missing out.

Your reporter: Graeme Smith (ED: father of Leo, making an impressive debut at full back!)