U16Bs in triangular at Guildford

Maidenhead U16s 20 v Cobham U16s 7

Sunday 8th November 2009

Maids' Under 16s sent a squad to Guildford Rugby Club to take part in a triangular tournament with Guildford and Battersea Ironsides ("Ironside" being the affectionate name for the WWII Armoured Tank Used by the 42nd Royal Tank Regiment that featured in the club's history).

Maids made a sprightly start against Guildford, with the first quarter played in Guildford's half. Some strong running by Maids' forwards resulted in an early penalty, neatly slotted between the posts by Matt Becksmith. Guildford began to get in the groove, and went over the try line only to be taken back for a knock-on. It wasn't long before they went over again, this time to score.

The second half started as the first ended. Missed tackles and scrappy work at the breakdown kept Maids camped in their own half. Some good work in the lineout and resolute defending by Maids in front of their try line couldn't prevent an attacking Guildford from scoring two further tries to win 15-3.

The coaches clearly did some good work before the Battersea encounter, where a more cohesive Maids' team started the game. Sam McCarthy scored two early tries, including one near the corner post that was expertly converted by Matt. The euphoria was tempered by a return to some of the play that typified the first game, resulting in Sam's tries sandwiching one by Battersea.

A try by Greg McHugh was followed by a foray over the try line that was judged to be "held up", and a run of decisions that didn't go Maids' way. A resultant outbreak of angst didn't stop Jacob Sanders from scoring, and Sam crossing the line for a third time, again to be disallowed (to the relief of his mum). A break from the half way line by Scott Gillan, helped by deafening encouragement from sections of the crowd, and with Battersea hot on his heels, ended in Maids' final score. Matt's conversion attempt hit the upright for the second time in the game. Battersea replied in the closing minutes, resulting in a final 27-14 score

Guildford also won their encounter with Battersea and so won the day.