Maidenhead Colts 20 v Bracknell Colts 10
Sunday 12th November 2006

Maidenhead Colts moved to the top of the BBO League as they continue the defence of their title but they never had things their own way against a much-changed, newly-sponsored Bracknell side with a raft of good new players.

Indeed, although Maids won by 20-10 it was only 13-10 with 10 minutes remaining. In truth, Maids did miss a whole hatful of try-scoring chances but it was also true that in a fierce, fast-moving and entertaining match, well refereed , Bracknell pushed the home team all the way.

Maids were without the big Joe Thomas, who took a knock playing for Maids first XV on the previous day but where happy to welcome back Tom Plumer, a similarly major figure, after injury and Plumer and the Maids pack held an edge in the scrum, line-out and loose which never wavered despite the efforts of the big Bracknell pack. Chris Holden and Brin Munn were impressive but with driving leadership from Luke Knowles and another startling improvement by James Henley on his conversion to flanker, there as not a member of the Maids pack who did not stand out.

Andy Hogan coped superbly with running the show at fly-half and Alex Cannon and Mike Burnett were deadly runners. It was a long arcing break by Cannon and a brilliant supporting run by Henley, which set up the first Maids try, touched down by Mike Skelton. This came after the teams had exchanged penalties, with Cannon kicking the goal for Maids.

It remained at 8-3 at half-time with Maids cursing their own lack of coolness in finishing but Maids hammered away at the start of the second half. Superb running by Cannon and the powerful Chris Adam in the centre made 80 metres of ground, Maids pack turned over the ball at the next set piece and Scott Lowden's initial break took out defenders. The ball sped across the line and a deft pass from Skelton sent Burnett over down the left.

That made it 13-3 but Bracknell now had their best spell. They tried every means to break down the defence. Maids eventually regained possession but lost it when the back row stood up too early at a de-powered scrum that Maids had won. Bracknell found a way through for a converted try which was well-deserved.

However, Maids closed out the game is masterly fashion, camping in the Bracknell 22. Jimmy Makurumure scored the clinching try down the right wing and a beautifully-struck kick by Cannon sealed it.

This Sunday at Braywick (2pm), Maids play their third round National Colts Cup match against Redcliffians, of Bristol. They will be choosing from a fully fit squad with availability of their university contingent adding to squad strength.

Maids squad:
Chris Adam, Mitch Batten, Tom Bradbury, Mike Burnett, Alex Cannon, Peter Gull, James Henley, Andy Hogan, Chris Holden, Luke Knowles, Scott Lowden, Mike Skelton, Liam Lynch, James Makurumure, Tom Morgan, Brin Munn, Chris Parrott, Tom Plumer, Jack Robinson, Gareth Whyte.