Stroud Colts 20 v Maidenhead Colts 21
Colts National Cup
Sunday 24^th September 2006

In the first round of this season’s Colts’ National Knockout Cup, Maids travelled deep into the heart of Gloucester rugby country, taking on its County Champions, as such one of best age group sides in the South West. They did very well indeed to come back victorious, pulling back from 20 - 3 down with 20 minutes to go, to beat a fine Stroud side 20 - 21.

After a scrappy start, Stroud’s big right wing picked up a loose penalty kick and ran strongly through sleepy tacklers to score an unconverted try. Maids struggled to pull themselves together, particularly with Stroud’s well-drilled lineout workers dominating most of the line-outs. An unforced error was penalised and Stroud moved up to an 8 - 0 lead, when Sam Stefan limped off to be replaced by Dayne Ferrar. Maids pulled back to 8 - 3 after Alex Cannon slotted over a penalty kick. Stroud were in the ascendancy with their three U16s gaining fine experience.

Maids’ drift defence had actually worked well with back rowers James Henley, Luke Knowles and Joe Thomas in constant action. It took 30 minutes for Maids to take up a dominant position in Stroud’s 22. Young Brin Munn and Jack Robinson were in the thick of it, making saving tackles and grinding out the hard yards in ruck and maul. Jimmy Makurumure and Mike Burnett our young wingers, had a real baptism by fire as they were repeatedly tested by hard running back play. Olly Styles at 9 has gave a very good service to Andy Hogan and Ferrar, and also linked well with his forwards in great moves with Thomas and Henley. Turning round 8 - 3 down after a spirited talk from Coach John Evans, Maids squared up to a big task.

Within two minutes Stroud won a line-out and after three phases, powered over for a converted try to lead 15 - 3, and then their big right wing scored another well-taken try. Maids were now down 20 - 3, and settled down to the task. Alex Cannon kicked a penalty three minutes later - 20 - 6 down! He popped up again two minutes later, setting a fine example of attacking running, by scoring and converting a kick and chase try - 20 - 13 down! Then Maids were awarded a penalty, which Cannon despatched cleanly - 20 - 16 down!

At this stage the attacking play of Chris Adam and Cannon was electrifying, and causing real problems to the Stroud midfield. Their heads went down when Ferrar feinted to pass and popped a pass to the speedy Cannon, who was brought down only 10 metres from the line. As the pressure mounted the big men went into action, Wasps Academy player Tom Plumer, Chris Holden and Thomas drove ahead. The pressure was put on Stroud as Maids pushed up the left wing, and after some fine defensive play by Stroud the ball swung right and Adam scored a well-taken pressure try - 20 - 21 ahead!

Ten minutes of pulsating play followed with both sides giving it some welly! Play swept up and down the pitch with live wire Mitch Batten (who replaced Tom Morgan half-time) popping up everywhere, and the last play ended with a penalty to Stroud from 40 metres out on the right. The kick drifted away and Maids were through to the next round - 20 - 21!

Credit must go the subs who did not get on Scott Lowden, Chris Parrott, Marcus Shah and Mike Skelton for being there, supporting and showing great maturity. Thanks also to the other players and supporters who travelled down and to Stroud for being superb opponents, and excellent hosts.

Maids squad:
Chris Adam, Mitch Batten, Mike Burnett, Alex Cannon, Dayne Ferrar, James Henley, Andy Hogan, Chris Holden, Drew Jones, Luke Knowles, Scott Lowden, James Makurumure, Tom Morgan, Brin Munn, Chris Parrott, Tom Plumer, Jack Robinson, Marcus Shah, Mike Skelton, Sam Stefan, Oliver Styles, Joe Thomas.