Saturday 28th January 2012

NOT for the first time this season, Maidenhead scored a try in the dying minutes to snatch a hard-fought victory in South West 1 East.

In a bruising encounter at mid-table Witney on Saturday, Maids trailed 17-15 going into the final two minutes of the game.

However, after an onslaught, they eventually breached the hosts' defence when prop Jamie Townsend was driven over the tryline for his second try of the game.

Matt Wells' conversion completed the scoring and once again the South West Division 1 East leaders had showed they have what it takes to stay at the top of the table.

At the start of the match Maids, also not for the first time, got on the scoresheet early when, after good handling, flanker James Emmanuel touched down, which Scott Harris converted.

However, the hosts wasted little time feeling sorry for themselves and on eight minutes Philip Gouldie scored following a fine break from James Lamb. Pierre Dubost, in his last game for the club converted to level proceedings.

Maids retook the lead on 26 minutes when Dubost's clearance kick was charged down and Townsend was first to apply downward pressure.

Just before the break, Witney went into the lead for the first time when Gouldie danced his way over the line, and with Dubost on target with the conversion, the hosts led 14-12.

After the break, Maids enjoyed the territorial advantage, but Witney produced a fine defensive effort.

The visitors did eventually get ahead through a Harris penalty, but with 77 minutes on the clock, the hosts appeared to have pinched the points when Dubost was accurate with his kick.

Then came Maids' final blitz which ended with Townsend's match-winner.

For the second successive week. Maids found a way to win with time running out against determined opposition.

Maidenhead: Macdonald, Cripps., Virgo, Hodgson, Burnett, Harris, Brown. Townsend, Craig, Britton. Smith, Mueller, Emmanuel, Evans, Plumer Subs: Wells (for Hodgson, 38), Thompson (for Evans, 67), Clarke.