Lack of match practice cost Maidenhead U13 Bs a heavy defeat in their first match after a long break due to the cold conditions and fixture problems.

The visitors’ first try set the theme: one of Bracknell’s backs ran through a crowded field without being tackled. He was held up near the line but Bracknell scored a short distance try from the ruck.

The visitors doubled their lead from the restart after collecting the kick off on the bounce. Two more tries followed before half time, with missed tackles galore again. Maidenhead did have periods of pressure, but the home team’s six-man scrum was routinely pushed back by Bracknell’s heavier pack.

The visitors ran in a fifth try soon after the break before Maidenhead rallied, as several attacking runs culminated in a fine in the corner try by Ollie Murphy.

Another break by Bracknell late in the game stretched the visitor’s lead to 5 – 32, which was harsh on the home side.