London Scottish U23s 8 v Maidenhead U23s 41
Saturday 17th December 2005

Maidenhead Under 23, consisting mainly of the successful Colts (U.19) side from two years ago, played their first match. For those Colts it was the first game together since those heady Colts days, and just like those successful days the combinations quickly clicked and Maidenhead ran out worthy winners.

Maidenhead started strongly but were unable to score and against the run of play London Scottish took the lead when Maidenhead were penalised for an offence at a ruck. Indeed London Scottish were also unlucky to have what appeared to be a perfectly good try disallowed by the referee.

Spurred into action shortly afterwards Maidenhead’s Will Lowden made a trademark burst through the middle of London Scottish’s defence to open the visitors account at 3:5. Maidenhead were now starting to rediscover their Colts form, with all the partnerships clicking back into top gear. With Man of the Match "Big" Dave Hunston distributing the ball wisely from the base of the scrum Maidenhead were playing the fifteen man style of rugby which when performed this clinically is not only effective but highly entertaining. Fast, fun and festive, just the way to start the Christmas holidays!

This theme was continued and good forward play by front row forwards Stuart Smithies and Ali Rivers made the ball available to be moved wide and Dan Evans with his deceptive speed beat three despairing London Scottish defenders to score an effervescence try. Score now 3:10. Maidenhead’s prop, Sean O’Neill and lock, Owen Lewis combined to that earn most valuable of procession, turnover ball allowing Dave Hunston to feed Captain Will Lowden to finish off in style. James MacDonald converted to take the score to 3:17 at half time.

In the second half Maidenhead had wind at their backs and the slope in their favour, this allowed them to James MacDonald to use the full array of his kicking skills to put his side deep into London Scottish’s half. The forwards won the line out ball and Ali Linton became the extra man coming strongly into the line from full back giving Gareth Turner the opportunity to finish off in some fine style. 3:22. Next to score was current colt Karl Kempton after some good driving play from the ever-industrious forwards James Emmanuel, David White and Ali Comport. The conversion was taken by Scott Harris now 3:29.

London Scottish were finally beginning to find some semblance of the form we know they possess and they hit back when Maidenhead’s defence were caught napping. A quickly taken penalty saw the home side score in the corner to bring their tally up to 8:29.

Maidenhead fought to rebuild their lead and pressure on the home side’s defence by James Appleton and David White paved the way for James MacDonald to pick up the ball on the halfway line and beat Scottish cover to score wide out. Scott Harris slotted the difficult conversion score now stood at 3:36.

Maidenhead playing through to the final whistle continued to attack and quick hands from Daz Brady and intelligent awareness from Dan Evans to pop the ball back inside to Ali Linton who crashed over inspite of the attentions of three defenders. Final score 41 to Maidenhead 8 to London Scottish, who as ever were gracious in defeat and generous in their praise.

Former international and current Colts Head Coach Mr Gordon MacDonald echoed the sentiments of the under 23’s Manager and fellow Coaches when he commented after the game. " It was great to see the team back together and playing as though it was two days not two years since they were last together. Let us hope that this bunch of players will form the major part of Maidenhead’s First XV in the years to come. They have the talent, ability and desire to take us forward." A view that was endorsed by all the supporters privileged to watch this fine display.

Maidenhead are hoping to arrange a fixture at home for the Under 23’s on the 14^th January and at Easter.

Maidenhead Under 23 Match Squad: Ali Rivers, Stuart Smithies, Sean O’Neill, Owen Lewis, James Emmanuel, Will Lowden, David White, James Appleton, David Hunston, Karl Kempton, James MacDonald, Daryl Brady, Dan Evans, Gareth Turner, Scott Harris, Ali Comport.