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U16Bs edge out Newbury
Maidenhead U16B 14 v Newbury U16B 13 Sunday 7th March 2010 |
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Bright, cold weather with a light easterly breeze welcomed the Division 2 second placed visitors to Braywick for the first of two meetings which will probably decide who fills the runner up spot to Bracknell’s runaway title challenge, although Redingensians B may yet disagree. Newbury started much the stronger, kicking well for position and driving their lineout . Maidenhead's ill discipline was punished by the referee with two quick penalties which were converted by Newbury for a 0-6 lead. Maidenhead then came back into the match, starting to play their normal rugby with the forwards driving well. Ed Kaye took a quick tap penalty and made good ground before off-loading to Tom Allen who scored after a 10m run. Scott Atherton kicked a difficult conversion to take Maidenhead into a 7-6 lead at half time. Maids started the second half brightly and were pressurising the visitors, but an excellent Newbury kick and chase from 15m to 15m, followed by several well constructed phases saw the Blues' Number 8 score under the posts to give the visitors a 7-13 advantage. The second half continued as a very tight affair with both sides putting in some great tackles, none better than a hat trick of tackles by Matt Becksmith which kept Maids in the game. Eventually the home side drove down to within 10m of the line, Ed Kaye took a tap penalty, put his head down and crashed through the entire Newbury pack to score. Scott Atherton converted from wide out with another good place kick and Maidenhead were in the lead 14-13. The final few minutes saw Newbury attacking , but they just couldn't break Maidenhead's defence down and at the end Maidenhead hung on for a dramatic win. See Gallery for match photos |