Maids coach slams officials for bungling Berkshire showpiece final

MAIDENHEAD RFC boss Simon Edwards has vowed he will fight to overturn the Berkshire RFU’s decision to award Reading Abbey the Berkshire Cup without playing the mandatory extra-time in the final on Sunday.
The head coach said the club had already appealed to the Berkshire RFU after the governing body awarded its showpiece trophy to Reading Abbey on try countback following a 20-20 draw with Maidenhead 2nds.
He said: “We believe extra-time should have been played because the Berkshire Cup has been played according to Powergen Cup rules and they’re quite clear there should be extra-time in the case of a draw.
“We think Berkshire, in their wisdom, judged it on the intermediate vase rules, which means no extra-time. We have got backing from a senior committee member, but, if we don’t succeed with the Berkshire RFU, we will take it to the RFU.”
Edwards said he was not sure what would be the fairest outcome as it might be too late in the season for a replay, but he favoured the teams being allowed to share the cup.
He added: “It ruined what was a good day – I thoroughly enjoyed it. The quality of rugby on display from two genuine second teams was excellent. I feel it was a credit to both clubs. It’s a shame that the one and only thing the Berkshire RFU have to organise they don’t get right.”
Maids 2nds boss Chad Miller echoed Edwards’ views, saying: “I’ve never heard of a final that wasn’t played to a conclusion.
“The options at the moment are to share the cup or replay it. Ultimately it’s up to the Berkshire RFU and if they say we have to replay it, we will. But if it’s called a draw that’s fine too.
“It was a great effort by all the boys out there. I just want to thank the lads. Every one of them put their body on the line.”
Maidenhead 2nds’ league season is also on hold as they await a decision from the Thames Valley Invitation League regarding games called off because the opposition could not raise a side.
Miller is hoping the points will go automatically to his side, securing them the league title,
But if Maids can win at Oxford Harlequins this weekend, Miller believes the title will be Maidenhead’s regardless.
However, whatever the outcome, Maids have decided to leave the league next year and join the Berks & Oxon League.

Maidenhead 1sts travel to Bridgwater & Albion tomorrow (Saturday) for their final match of a creditable first campaign back in South West Division 1.
Head coach Simon Edwards said his side would be underdogs against the second-placed team, even though Maids were the last team to beat Bridgwater.
The match will also represent a final swansong for veteran prop Allan Greene before he retires into a management role.

IN-DEPTH DISCUSSION: Match officials huddle together to discuss the fate of the Berkshire Cup following Maidenhead’s draw with Reading Abbey.