Maidenhead 3rds 21 v Thatcham 1st 7
Saturday 13th January 2007

In a thrilling display of running rugby Maids won with a 21 to 7 defeat over Thatcham 1sts. The weather held out giving the home side the opportunity to show their true spirit running in three trys to one and dominating across the park.

Maids first try came in the hands of winger Lester Martin who received the ball on the half way line from a skilful pass by inside centre Gareth Williams. Martin broke through four strong tackles to score under the posts. Rob Wilkins converted opening the doors for the forwards to pound their way up the field.

The forwards took most of the praise for clearing out the rucks and mauls giving Maids Man of the Match (sponsored by the Penn Motor Company) and scrum half James Love clean ball which in turn unleashed the backs who consistently broke through the defence. The opposition stepped up a gear late in the first half but knocked the ball on in their 22. Maids scrumaged strongly and the ball was sent wide to Williams who crashed up the middle of the park and under the posts. Wilkins converted and maids went into half time with their heads up.

Thatcham were first to score in the second half and seemed to be coming back into the game. Maids defence held out and Thatcham seemed to lose control of the game. The home side spent the next 30 minutes camped in their half but were only able to score 1 try to Martin with another strong run to dive over the line. Wilkins converted to finish the game off in style.

Maids have a well earned week off to get their energy for top of the league Farnham Royal away.

Written by James 'I've broken my losing streak' Love