MAIDENHEAD made the most of their break in the league season with back-to-back wins at Braywick over the weekend.
On Saturday, in unseasonably balmy conditions, a Maids 1st/2nd team played equivalent opposition from Richmond, and after an enjoyable encounter, came away 28-26 winners.
The following day a squad made up of 2nds and colts players, produced what coach Simon Edwards called ‘a fantastic performance’ to overcome Newbury Stags 10-5 in the semi-final of the Berkshire Cup.
The whole weekend proved a worthwhile one for Edwards at what can be a frustrating time of the season.
He said: “Saturday was a useful runout. It was just what we needed otherwise we would have had three blank Saturdays in March.
“It gave 1st team players a chance to keep up their fitness, while giving a chance to fringe players to show what they could do.”
He added: “One of the major pluses was that Danny Walton played, and came through it well. After his injury problems, it was just nice to see him on a rugby pitch.”
Maids scored the winning points in the final minute to round off a decent effort. Their try-scorers were Piers Morgan, Stuart Mackay, Paul Jones and Malcolm Eddington. Rob Hawkins scored eight points with the boot.
On Sunday, Maids reached the final of the Berkshire Cup with a hard-working display against Newbury Stags.
The Stags, Newbury’s 3rd team, but currently flying high at the top of Berks, Bucks & Oxon 1 South, showed their abilities with a high-energy display in the initial phases of the contest.
However Maids soon found their feet and although they narrowly won 10-5, they could have scored more.
Edwards said: “The team were excellent. Players like Gert Lubbe, Danny Walton, Gareth Edwards, Peter Windeyer and Luke Bullock all tackled their hearts out from the first whistle until the last.”
“It was a highly enjoyable match and once again shows how far we have come as a club this season.
“Last season we struggled to field a 2nd team, and they wouldn’t have been playing at this stage of the season. However we have strength in depth and that’s showing through.
“The 2nds are second in their division with a game in hand.”
The Berkshire Cup final will be against Reading Abbey on Sunday, April 17.

ALL FALL DOWN: Maids’ centre Stuart MacKay touches down for a well taken try against Richmond on Saturday, despite the attention of three defenders. Ref:88299/11.