U15s win hard fought battle with Redingensians

Maidenhead U15s 43 v Redingensians U15s 0

Sunday 15th November 2009

Last year's league champions Maidenhead welcomed Redingensians to Braywick Park on a fine sunny morning for the opening encounter of the 2009-10 BBO U15 league.

In what is expected to be a very competitive league, the Maidenhead players were prepared for a hard fought battle and Redingensians certainly provided that.

The opening 15 minutes produced a dogged battle for possession and territory with Redingensians coming very close to opening the scoring after an excellent break down the middle of the pitch. A superb cover tackle by winger Emi Repetto prevented the score and good work by hooker Andrew McGregor at the breakdown was rewarded by a Maidenhead penalty allowing the home team to clear their lines.

This resolute defence seemed to galvanise Maidenhead and they upped the tempo to force mistakes from the visiting team. Maidenhead inside Centre Oli Wilson then caused 15 minutes of individual havoc by scoring 3 tries before half time. The deceptively strong centre demonstrated great skill, determination and power for each of his three scores, with centre partner Kerins converting the last to put Maidenhead 17 - 0 up at half time.

The beginning of the second half started in much the same way as the first with a fierce battle for possession and territory taking play from end to end for nearly 15 minutes.. Then once again an immense tackle by EMI Repetto on the powerful Redingensians' full back seemed to lift the home team and Maidenhead looked in control for the remainder of the match. The forwards led by Captain Bertie Kennedy were imperious in the lineout, winning all of their own ball and snatching a number thrown in by Redingensians. Marcus Bateson made a great impact off the bench at half time with some committed rucking and good individual ball carries. Flankers, O'Keefe and Balmer worked tirelessly all game helping their team win good possession in loose play.

But it was the back line that really kicked into gear and provided 20 minutes of scintillating running rugby. Outside centre Colin Kerins was on top form and scored two tries in quick succession on the 53 and 55 minute mark, while making breaks at will and creating opportunities for both wings to run at the opposition. Ashley Scott scored an excellent try down the right wing after 58 minutes with Kerins collecting his hat trick of tries after 60 minutes. Colin Kerins also converted 3 of the 4 second half tries to make the final score 43 - 0 to Maidenhead with a personal points tally of 23.

Unfortunately Redingensians lost a few influential players during the match through injuries so the final score does not truly reflect the competitive nature of this game. However, huge credit must go to Maidenhead for their excellent defence and for taking the opportunities as they arose during the game. This was an excellent team performance which reflected in the voting for Man of The Match. Eight players received votes but the deserved winner was the outstanding inside centre, Oli Wilson.

Team

Wright, Cable, Kerins, Wilson, Repetto, Garius, Hill, Avery, McGregor, Dutton, Kennedy (capt), Corio, O'Keeffe, Matera. Replacements: Bateson, Scott.