Another Good win for Maidenhead

Saturday 28th November 2009

In the last two matches that Maidenhead have played they seem to have thrown off the lethargy that has infected them from the beginning of the season. This was a very good display against a team that were well drilled and for the first 30 minutes seemed to be well in control.

The two packs were pretty evenly matched in both the set scrums and the line-outs and neither really got on top at the breakdown. The difference was in the penetration and running, and particularly the support play of the two three-quarter lines.

For the first 30 minutes or so Redingensians looked the better drilled side although an excellent drop out was collected by Maidenhead which began a drive into the Redingensians' 22 metre area and a penalty was awarded which Rob Wilkins duly put over. Then an excellent break out by the Redingensians' backs was only just stopped by brilliant tackle by Charlie Jarnett (who never seemed to miss a tackle all day) only for them to camp on the Maidenhead 22 metre line and collect a penalty. 3 all after 30 minutes and anybody's game! A score before half-time could be vital and Maidenhead managed to get it when sustained pressure put Ed Poulding in the clear and he was able to score, beating the full back. With the conversion by Rob Wilkins and with Redingensians being able to add another penalty, made it 10 - 6 at half-time.

As the second half wore on it was Maidenhead who looked the more likely to score and they did so when Charlie Jarnett broke from deep, passed on to Ed Poulding who then moved the run across the pitch to pass to Dave Hunston who rounded two defenders with a dramatic burst of speed to score under the posts. Now it was 17 - 6 to Maidenhead and the flood gates started to open. A penalty out wide by Rob Wilkins, a try under the posts by Mike Andrews, a try in reply by Redingensians, a try by Dave White under the posts and another try by Redingensians at the final whistle made it 34 - 16 to Maidenhead. All in all a satisfying response and another two points.

Man of the Match : Dave Hunston.