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U17s triumph in local derby Maidenhead
U17s 36 v Windsor U17s 8 Sunday 6th December 2009 |
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This was a fine bonus-points performance by Maids on the back of the previous good result against Abingdon. Despite occasional lapse in concentration providing the opposition with easy possession and yardage, the forwards are starting to look after the ball and drive powerfully in the loose presenting Maids' pacey backs with frequent scoring opportunities. Maids' defence has always been dogged and determined but most pleasing was the all-round shape of the team and the patterns of play, with everyone focusing on executing their role for the team collective. Conditions were heavy and soft under foot after an early morning downpour and, with a gusty wind blowing hard across the pitch, conditions were not exactly conducive to expansive rugby. On days like this control at the set piece and go-forward at ruck / maul time is important, and Maids did not disappoint. The scrummage was solid with Theo Harden and Mike James working tirelessly in the engine room, and fit again No.8 Alex Jones controlling matters impressively at the base. Jones frequently provided good off-the-top lineout ball allowing scrum half Matt Bill to get ball away quickly. The Maids' lineout was without doubt a key factor in the outcome of the match, with hooker John Cullivan calling the shots intelligently and throwing accurately. Flanker 'Roza' Creffield rose impressively to steal a number of opposition throws thanks to good lifting from the hard working James Wilson. Maidenhead used the elements well during early exchanges with some intelligent territorial kicking out of hand from fly half James Brooks creating pressure by pinning Windsor back in their 22m zone. The Maids' forwards were prospering in tight quarters with Conor Murphy driving well in the loose, and displaying his customary technique and power to turn over opposition ball on more than one occasion. Windsor fought valiantly in the forwards but it was only a matter of time before Maids converted some of their pressure into points - the first try came from a typically powerful burst and finish by skipper Mike Habgood after some good initial build up play by the forwards. Brooks converted (7-0). Maids might have been a bit guilty of playing a little too expansively on occasions but at least they had the confidence to do so. The second try came from fast rucked ball that was recycled quickly right by scum half Matt Bill who had an impressive match. Brooks put in a long miss pass off his left hand which was well taken at full speed by the rapidly maturing full back Alex Glennister who had come up into the line. He in turn timed his pass well to put away winger Jack Bower to finish in the corner. The conversion looked an impossible task into a strong wind from the far touchline but Brooks somehow slotted it (14-0). Things were starting to look good! With a decent supply of ball it was only a matter of time before Tom Simpson got in on the scoring act. This was possibly Simpson's most impressive match as a centre working well with Habgood, varying his play well, pouncing on every opportunity to break and putting his wingers away. Simpson is quick, and given a glimmer of a gap it is quite simply, 'Goodnight Irene'. He scored with a typically scything run just before half time sending Maids into the break 19-0 ahead. An unfortunate injury to one of the Windsor forwards on the stroke of half time held up the match for some considerable time whilst every precaution was taken (it is understood the lad suffered no major injury and is recovering well). When play resumed on an adjoining pitch it understandably took both sides some time to get back into their rhythm with Windsor the first to threaten and Maids losing concentration and looking far too casual. The narrower pitch was not to Maids' advantage and Windsor capitalised on Maids' indiscipline by converting a penalty, quickly cancelled out however by a Brooks penalty at the other end (22-3). Shuddering tackles by winger Jack Bower twice halted Windsor big runners in their tracks and had a significant impact to change Maids' attitude. Oli Evans, switching from wing to his more familiar centre position at half time covering for the injured skipper Habgood, was his usual powerful and aggressive influence throughout. The versatile Tom Simpson got Maids back on track with another fine virtuoso score a converted try early in the second half to put the game beyond doubt. Simpson’s pace and power once again showed why he is such a feared runner in the league. Commendably, Windsor never let their heads drop, and responded well despite suffering a few injuries, and were rewarded with a deserved try of their own in the right hand corner - the conversion was unsuccessful (29-8). The final try came from impressive fly half Brooks who exploited a gap, handed off his tackler and sprinted clear to score under the posts. With scrum half Matt Bill providing excellent service throughout, the half backs were able to vary play intelligently and orchestrate affairs throughout to bring the best out of the speedsters outside. Also, pleasing for the coaching staff was the impact that all replacements made when entering the fray. Winger Morgan Davies marshalled his wide defence well in the second half and confidently took one towering, swirling kick with impressive ease to launch yet another counter attack. TJ Hudson immediately contributed some barnstorming runs down the right wing and looks bigger and more powerful with every match. Rij Ralhan replaced the hard working Jack Fleck on the flank and increased the tempo of the forward play with his driving play at ruck and maul, and Ben Malone deservedly got on to make his mark with a short but powerful contribution. Tries:
Habgood, Bower, Simpson (2), Brooks |