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A valiant display from Maidenhead 4ths
saw them leapfrog Phoenix to the top of
the table after clinging on for a 17-15
victory in a nailbiting finish to their
local derby at Taplow on Saturday.
Full report further down newsletter
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Clubhouse
Extension Starts March!
Message from the Chairman
I am delighted to report
that after many months of design work and weeks
of discussions we have now selected the prime
contractor to undertake the Clubhouse extension
project. With part of the funding coming
from public sources the Club had to undertake
a formal procurement process and the company that
emerged on top is Beard Construction. I
would like to congratulate Beard, but also
thank all of the other companies who submitted
bids for the project and to Paramount for completing
the design work.
The schedule of work starts
week commencing March 1st when the storage cabins
will be relocated to a temporary site, hoardings
will be erected around the two new build areas
each side of the entrance and a site depot for
Beard will be set up to the left hand side of
the entrance. Please note that the front
entrance to the Club will remain open but the
pathways either side of the entrance will be hoarded
off and so all foot traffic will be directed to
the path on the astro pitch side of the road.
I would ask everyone to take extra care during
this time as there will be a lot of pedestrian
traffic crossing the road in front of the Clubhouse.
The plan is to complete the
external building work before the end of the season
then on Monday 26th April close the Clubhouse
and start the major internal works. The
Clubhouse will be fully closed until 20th June
at which point some areas on the 1st floor will
be reopened to allow some key functions to resume,
namely pre season training, some lettings and
our Youth training camps. The full refurbishment
is due to be completed in mid August in time for
the beginning of the new 2010-2011 season.
This is a huge achievement
for the Club to be able to embark on such an ambitious
project and I'm sure many members will have all
sorts of questions regarding the project.
THURSDAY
EVENING OPEN NIGHT- I would like to invite all
members to the Club on Thursday evening from 7.30pm
for a chance to meet the Committee, review the
plans and discuss the project. This will
be an informal session but I hope we will be able
to answer any questions you may have.
I would however like to address
two issues that I believe are important to all
members:-
The first is funding.
One of the fundamental tenants of this project
was that we would not take on any debt in order
to fund this project. I can confirm that
this is still the case. All of the funds
necessary to complete this project have been raised
independently of normal club operations and specifically
for the purpose of a major capital project, for
the lasting benefit of all members. We have a
fully funded plan but it is important to understand
that this money can only be used for this project,
i.e. it cannot be used to finance general club
operations. On behalf of the Club, I would
like to thank all parties who have contributed
money to this project, but especially the extremely
generous individual members who have provided
significant private donations – Thank You.
Secondly as mentioned earlier,
some of the funding has come from a public source
and as such the Club had to follow a formal procurement
process to select the main contractor. However,
now Beard have been appointed they would be happy
to be contacted by any members with companies
that could offer sub contract services for any
of the works to be undertaken. If you have
a company with products or services to offer please
contact Craig Mitchell at Craig Mitchell craig.mitchell@beardoxford.co.uk .
This is a very exciting project
and I hope you can join myself and the rest of
the committee on Thursday evening.
John Wanklyn
Chairman & CEO, Maidenhead Rugby Club
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Top of The
World
Phoenix 2nds 15pts vs Maidenhead
4ths 17pts
A valiant display from Maidenhead 4ths saw them
leapfrog Phoenix to the top of the table after
clinging on for a 17-15 victory in a nailbiting
finish to their local derby at Taplow on Saturday.
Phoenix drew first blood with an early penalty,
but Maids dominated much of the first half and
were rewarded with a try from centre Jan Weddepohl,
converted by fly-half Dave Goodman.
The home side edged back in front with a converted
try, but the Maids pack responded with an impressive
rolling maul for lock Alex Lewendon to score near
the corner.
A bright start to the second half saw the visitors
extend their lead when winger Shane Watson touched
down at the end of a well-worked backs move, but
Phoenix gradually worked their way back into the
match and reduced the deficit with a disputed
try from a five-metre scrum.
As the visitors' frustration mounted after a string
of inexplicable penalties against them, an uncharacteristic
lack of discipline resulted in yellow cards for
flanker Pete Hickey and prop Paul Kingsley in
quick succession.
With Maids reduced to 13 men, Phoenix spent most
of the closing stages camped in the Maids 22 but
were unable to breach their resolute defence.
Yet another penalty a few yards in from the touchline
gave Phoenix a final shot at victory from the
last play, but the kick fell short and Goodman
hammered the ball into touch to end a pulsating
match.
Maids' scorers
Tries: Jan Weddepohl, Alex Lewendon, Shane
Watson
Conv: Dave Goodman
Maids man of the match: Alex Lewendon
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MRFC awarded RFU Whole Club Seal
of Approval
 Maidenhead Rugby Club is proud
to announce they have been awarded the RFU Whole
Club Seal of Approval
The pathway to the award followed weeks of intensive
work from the club committee to demonstrate to
the RFU they have built on the standard achieved
in obtaining the Mini & Youth Seal of Approval
in 2008
By expanding to include all playing activity within
the club we can now proudly show the local community
we are a club that is fully inclusive. The Seal
of Approval and the Sport England Clubmark accreditation
scheme are based upon a three-year rolling award
system in which the club will be assessed on its
continuing ability to provide a safe and effective
club environment
Maidenhead qualified by the completing and assessment
file and the writing of a three-year development
plan. By implementing the development plan, with
an annual review, it will continue to be accredited
and ensure continuous improvement in provision
for the players at the club
The award is indicative of the quality of provision
the club offers, and its commitment to the continued
development and growth of rugby. The club now
displays certification to confirm accreditation,
both from the RFU and Sport England
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Maidenhead U16A turn
it on against Tadley
Maidenhead U16As 86pts vs
Tadley U16s 0pts
This year's game was ended
around five minutes early because of an injury
to a Tadley player. In truth the match was
over as a contest long before the half time whistle
went at 59 to nil.
Tadley at this age group
elected to compete in Division 1 of the restructured
Berkshire League this year on the basis that they
would rather take on other clubs' A squads than
their B squads in Division 2. Last season's equivalent
fixture had been much closer than the previous
season's, but unfortunately the visitors were
missing some key personnel and without them this
was a very one-sided affair.
It took less than a minute
for Michael Anderson to score the first try, running
in untouched on the right wing after two textbook
rucks and smooth hands in midfield. The
next 34 minutes saw eight more tries and top class
festival rugby from Maidenhead. Daniel Andrews-Jones
scored twice exhibiting his customary pace and
deceptive power, as did Laurence MacSwan, the
latter's second a relief to spectators, coaches
(and team-mates!) as he ignored a sure score overlap,
and cut inside, just reaching the line. Louis
Basson went over next and then prop Alex Avery
went racing down the left wing like a young Welsh
lamb running from a hungry Welsh farmer.
Tom Eckles' first try featured Seb Coric
and Jamie Tolan running and passing like the centres
they most definitely are not. His
second was the pick of the day, standoff Leo Smith
making 50 metres down the left leaving half the
Tadley team in the dirt behind him and then floating
an inside ball for Tom to run under the posts.
Although he did not feature on the scoresheet,
Smith had his best game yet at 10 and was central
to all the attacking play, pulling the strings
and releasing the pace and power outside him throughout.
Sure enough, the second half
opened with Smith looping twice and putting Surya
into the corner and then a simple flowing backs
move gave Eckles his third try. DAJ completed
his own hat trick moments later and then substitutes
Mike Winter and Sam Balfour ran the final two
tries in as Tadley visibly and understandably
wilted. Seven out of ten conversions for
Bart and one out of two for Winter brought up
the 86 points. Had the final five minutes
been played it is highly likely that the spectators
would have politely applauded a home century.
In the equivalent game at
U15 level, Tadley's forwards gave as good as they
got but this year, from the first scrum as tighthead
Mark Hine held them and then drove them back over
their own ball, they were never really in it.
Coric, Bart, Whiteford, Tolan and Trevena were
prominent in the loose and, with the home forwards
completely on top, a stream of clean ball enabled
Smith, MacSwan, Andrews-Jones and Eckles to show
their class. Maidenhead opened with a number
of regular starters on the bench and looked none
the worse for it. Equally when all seven
home subs were brought on in the second half,
the team looked just as strong and well organised,
testament to the squad ethos and team spirit.
Maids go top of the BYL table
after this result and look forward to the run
in against real title rivals Newbury, Redingensians
and Windsor over the next few weeks.
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Maidenhead U14B
17 pts vs Tadley B 26pts
Maids U14B opened brightly
against a large Tadley U14A side with a swift
try in the first 5 minutes, winger Elliot Rakkar-Thomas
driving over in the left corner. Number
eight CJ Nicholl tried the same route but unfortunately
trailed a boot over the touch line for would otherwise
been a spectacular team try. Undeterred, Nicholl
followed right winger Fraser Basford into the
line, received an offload and was able to step
over the Tadley line for a second try.
Tadley responded, lifting
their game with their forwards sweeping away tackles
and providing a breakout opportunity for their
first try. Maidenhead unused to being in their
own half, reacted slowly to an up and under by
Tadley, allowing Tadley to get up fast and in
numbers. Under pressure, ball handling errors
were made and Maids found themselves unable to
defend against a Tadley advancing at speed, Maids
conceded another try. The score at half time was
12-10
Tadley began the second half
with their third try and conversion. Maids, tiring
under the Tadley forwards pressure, shipped the
ball wide to winger Rakkar-Thomas who danced across
the line. Patrick Bart converted and the score
stood 17-19 with five minutes to go.
Tadley immediately responded
with their big forwards continuing to run until
the end of the game, creating space despite some
very brave and increasingly frantic tackling deep
in Maids half. Tadley backs eventually seized
the opportunity and raised the score to 26-17.
Maids camped in the Tadley half for the final
minute but despite a territory advantage dropped
the ball too many times and gave away too many
knock ons, indicating that players had given their
full effort
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Maids Under
12s go from strength to strength...
Maidenhead RFC U12A's enjoyed a busy
weekend of rugby as they maintained their unbeaten
post Xmas record. Firstly they played Barnstaple
U12s in a curtain raiser match, preceding Maids
1st XV match against Barnstaple on Saturday, followed
by matches against Redingensians and 'on tour' visitors,
Macclesfield U12s at home on Sunday.
Maids U12s 25 - Barnstaple U12s 0
In the match on Saturday against Barnstaple, Maids
under U12s dominated from the start, driving forward
and passing the ball well. A superb pass from Scott
Prince set up Julian Guy for Maids first try. The
controlled passing continued with another superb
pass from Alex Thompson to Scott Prince to continue
another drive. Then winning the scrum, Dan Cutler
delivered the ball in style to 'man of the match'
Julian Guy who scored Maids second try, while Barnstaple
looked on in amazement. Maids scored 2 further
tries in the run up to half-time, superbly taken
by Scott Prince and Xabi Leadbetter. From
the start of the second half, Maids continued their
domination and gave additional players more experience,
showing brilliant tackling and passes by all and
in particular Umar Marriott, Tom Kynaston, Will
Lawrence, Will Doolan and Alex Thompson. Whilst
every Maids player deserved the final try, it was
delivered by Joel Greene following disciplined play.
Overall an excellent team effort.
Maids U12 B's 10 - Redingensians Barbarians
20
The first match on Sunday was Maids under 12 B's
against Redingensian B's with a couple of Macclesfield
players included. The barbarian side dominated
the match with a final score of 10 - 20, however,
Maids B's worked hard as a squad - driving, tackling
and defending hard, which was rewarded with good
tries scored by Kieran Evans and Alastair Graham.
Maids U12 A's 15 - Redingensians A's 10
In the key game of the day, the whole Maids squad
were outstanding in their commitment and teamwork
against their local rivals whom they had struggled
to beat in previous years. The tackling, support,
drives, rucks and mauls, clearly demonstrating cohesive
team effort against an equally matched and strong
squad from Redingensians. After a closely matched
game, with both sides showing excellent play, Maids
just had the greater determination and skill to
triumph in a hugely satisfying win. Tries were scored
by Joel Greene, Umar Marriott and Ben Lawrence.
Maids U12 B's 10 - Macclesfield B's 10
Maids demonstrated good forwards pressure and showed
strong tackling allowing Xabi Leadbetter to score
Maids 1st try in the first half. Moving into the
second half, the barbarian squad put pressure on
the score their first try. The game picked up with
both squads putting the pressure on. Alastair Graham
broke free from the maul to pass to Xabi Leadbetter
for his second try and despite continued pressure
from Maids, particularly Kieran Evans, Robert Thirtle
and newcomer Jack Kerrigon; the match ended as a
draw - 10 -10.
Maids U12 A's 10 - Macclesfield U12 A's 10.
This was billed to be a tough match from the start
and both squads had been scrutinizing each other
in their previous games. Macclesfield reputedly
having beaten Wasps tournament winners Brighton
in an earlier season match. Both teams clearly demonstrated
determination, drilled passing and driving, and
the will to win the match. Excellent teamwork
was shown, with all players really gelling well
throughout the squad. Tries were scored by Will
Lawrence and Umar Marriott. |
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Reunion Lunch
To Be Held At
the Club - 12.00 noon
April 10th - Maids vs Weston super Mare
Two course meal - £10
To book your
place please contact Keith Lawton at lawtonk@sky.com
or send a cheque made payable to Maidenhead
RFC to 3 Manor Lane Maidenhead SL6 2QN
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2010 Guinness
Premiership Final
This season's final promises
to be another success, and it's not just the cup
that's up for grabs
Get a group together from
your age group, squad or just mates and not only
will you be able to enjoy a day of world class
rugby, you could also receive up to 50% cashback
payable to Maidemhead RFC
All you have to do is rder
your tickets by calling Barry Aherne on 020 8831
6602
GROUP SIZE CASHBACK
10-19 people 5%
20-29 people 10%
30-39 people 20%
100+ people
50%
Tickets are priced at £35
for Adults and £10 for Juniors (15 and under)
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Drink The Club Dry
Tickets going very fast
With the club
closing for refurbishment over the summer, join
us on the 23rd of April to drink the bar
dry
Friday 23rd April in
the clubhouse
Dinner Dance
4 course meal
7.30pm – 1am
£35 per person
Contact Jean
on kingsley38@btinternet.com
01628 676755
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Forthcoming
Fixtures
27 Feb - 1st XV vs Oxford
Harlequins (H) N3SW KO 2:30
27 Feb - 2nd XV vs Shelford (A) TSD2
27 Feb - 3rd XV vs Oxford Harlequins II (A) BBOPA
28 Feb - U16 vs Esher (H)
28 Feb - U15 vs Old Rutlishians/Stowmarket (H)
28 Feb - U14 vs Reeds (A)
28 Feb - U13A vs Redingensians (H)
28 Feb - U13B vs Stowmarket (H)
28 Feb Minis vs Marlow (H)
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| Team |
P |
Pts |
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Taunton
Old Patesians
Oxford Harlequins
Chinnor
Bournemouth
Redingensians
Coney Hill
Cleve
Barnstaple
Weston-Super-Mare
Exmouth
Reading
Chippenham
Maidenhead |
21
20
20
20
20
20
19
20
20
20
20
20
20
20 |
97
76
62
58
58
54
50
49
43
39
39
26
22
8 |
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| Team |
P |
Pts |
| |
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Henley Hawks
Shelford
Chinnor
Redingensians
Richmond Saxons
Blackheath Devt
Esher Academy
Westcombe Park
Worthing
Barnes
London Scottish Devt 1
Bournemouth
Maidenhead |
13
17
17
17
17
16
16
16
15
17
12
15
16 |
36
36
35
34
27
25
24
21
18
18
15
12
3 |
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Club Tour - Antwerp - 2010
Change of tour
venue from Split (Croatia) to Antwerp (Belgium)
May Bank Holiday - 28th until 31st May
£300per person pp anyone interested contact
me on
Would-be tourists
please contact Prinny on 07886 -249195 or by email
prinney@mac.com
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400 CLUB WINNERS
Winners for January
1st - Mark Bates
2nd - Ian Kingsley
3rd - Graham Chamberlain
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RBS 6 NATIONS
All matches will be shown at the club house
Food available, entertainment for children - Wii
corner
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SPORTSMANS
LUNCH
Friday 5th March
4 course lunch with coffee
Speaker – David Trick – Former Bath and England
Rugby Winger
Comedian – Adger Brown
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