Wasps Colts 29 v Maidenhead Colts 21
Sunday 26th November 2006

Maidenhead again showed their strength in depth when they played a friendly game at Wasps last Sunday. With 10 changes from the previous week's Nat Cup squad and most of the rest playing in different positions, Maids lost 29-21 in what proved to be an enjoyable game despite the appalling conditions. (hence no pics)

Maids started well, playing up the slope in the driving rain, with the forwards picking and driving. Brin Munn seemed to particularly relish the conditions. However a knock on allowed Wasps to kick down field which led to a converted try. A similar pattern of play followed and Wasps made it 14-0.

Maids then put the home side under considerable pressure but couldn't get over the try line.

Chris Adam was rugged and determined back in his old role of scrum-half and Mike Skelton was admirable stepping in to the fly-half slot. Against this run of play Wasps scored unconverted try to lead 19 - 0 at half time.

With the slope now in their favour, Maids changed tactics in the second half. A quick tap and go, good short passing and quick rucks brought play into Wasps 22. The pressure told when Ryan Christian burst through defence to score. Mike Burnett took on the kicking role and made it 19 - 7.

Excellent line out possession from Chris Parrott, Chris Holden and Liam Lynch allowed Maids to keep Wasps pinned in their 22. A quick ruck from slick back play allowed Jack Robinson, playing his last game of the season, to power through their centres to score. Burnett again converted to close the gap to 19-14.

In another first hooker Mitch Batten then replaced Adam at scum-half. Wasps replied when they kicked well to secure a position in Maids half and scored a fine try after good handling through the backs outflanked Maids' defence to go 10 points clear.

Wasps added final try, which may not have got past a video ref, right in the corner despite a strong tackle from Will Grant.

For the rest of the game Maids kept up the pressure their opponents which finally resulted in a try from James Henley. Burnett maintained his 100% record with the boot to make the final score 29 - 21 to Wasps

The game was played in superb spirit and overall Maids' coaches were impressed by the effort and attitude against good side in very difficult conditions.

Maids' squad:
Chris Adam, Mitch Batten, Tom Bradbury, Mike Burnett, Ryan Christian, Will Grant, Peter Gull, James Henley, Chris Holden, Liam Lynch, Jimmy Makurumure, Tom Morgan, Brin Munn, Chris Parrott, Jack Robinson, Mike Skelton, Gareth Whyte.