Lambert hits 3 for the 4ths

Saturday 31st October 2009

Legend states that many a rugby match has been decided by the forwards and on this occasion its was never in doubt, as the forwards dominated the opposition line out and scrum, with the front five being particular in the demolition of the men in front of them.

It also goes without saying that the backs decide how many you win by and with a very open game being played by both teams it took a fine solo run from Robbie Burrows to score the first of his two tries. Not to be out done another livewire of the squad Aaron Lambert decided to come to the party and scored the second try of the half, both conversions were strangely missed by the normally reliable boot of Dave Goodman.

Just before half time Abingdon, who were growing in confidence scored an unconverted try, enough reward for their forwards who battled hard to provide as much ball as they were allowed for their pacy backs.

The second half started with a frenzy of phases, but neither team could capitalise on their efforts and it took another fine effort from the Maidenhead forwards, who combined well to force two players over the line, who were fighting for the ball, as they rose, it was Captain Peter 'it's my Birthday' Hickey to claim it. Goodman's radar was still broken and the extra 2 points went begging.

Two quick tries from their own half by Burrows and then Lambert, both converted by Goodman, pushed the game away from Abingdon, who to their credit never gave up and managed to pull an unconverted try back, before the move of the match, by the back line of the evergreen Peter Bluck and Al McEwan for the latter to score before requiring oxygen having run for over 50 metres.

A raft of changes by both sides meant a period of scrappy and lazy rugby which Abingdon grabbed another unconverted try to make Maids think again.

The final play of the game saw a scrum on Maids 10 metre line, not surprisingly the forwards gave the platform and Rob Wilkins switched play to the open and winger Lambert scored his 3rd try and the final score of the match.

Man of the Match - Aaron Lambert