4th XV End of Season Report 2009/10

Maidenhead IV enjoyed a very successful first season in BBO2 South, ending up Runners Up before a technical points deduction left them a (still respectable) 4^th in the final league table.

The campaign both started and ended in warm, dry conditions with wins against Newbury - the first was convincing and sent the tone for what was to follow. Of the 20 league games played, the 4s chalked up an impressive 16 wins and only 4 losses. Huge wins against Grove and Kingsclere were particular highlights before the 'big-freeze' put a hold on things either side of Christmas. When the pitches became playable again Maids picked up from where they left off, hitting a winning run of 9 games undefeated in the middle of the season.

Slough were the only team able to beat the 4s twice, additionally being the only side to amass a significant points total against Maids, in the away fixture. In the home game between the two, however, only a hotly contested penalty try could separate them, such was Maids improvement.

Probably the most satisfying win of the season was away at local rivals Phoenix, which left Maids top of the table and Phoenix second, after a gruelling battle and nail-biting end to the game.

On the run-in, only an away loss at much-improved Thatcham - and that disputed penalty try - prevented Maids from finishing the season as Champions. Thatcham ended up worthy league winners, with Phoenix - the only other side to beat Maids - promoted as runners up, following the points reversal .

RFU league juggling means that the 4s will play in BBO2 North next year, so we can look forward to local derbies against Marlow and High Wycombe as well as some treks to the likes of Buckingham and Bletchley.

We are always on the lookout for new players and all ages and abilities are welcome to join us for training on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Braywick, from around 6:45pm.

CAPTAIN: Pete Hickey
VICE CAPTAIN: Matt Fillmore
Assts: David Goodman, Darran Brown

2009/10 SEASON PLAYER'S AWARDS:
Best Player: Jan Weddepohl
Most Valuable Player: Tim Anstiss
Golden Boot (Most Points): David Goodman
Golden Hand (Most Tries): Aaron Lambert
Player of Undoubted Fourth Team Ability (PUFTA): Paul Kingsley