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Sponsorship deal helps Maidenhead RFC move forward

MAIDENHEAD Rugby Club are celebrating this week, after long term supporters John Guest Limited handed them a new three-year sponsorship deal.
Club chief executive Simon Edwards said: “Without their sponsorship we couldn’t even begin to attract better players, and we couldn’t afford to give the current squad the luxuries they enjoy, like decent transport to games, kit and equipment.
“It’s only because of this sponsorship that we’re commercially viable, and for that we are very grateful.
“But it’s not just the money, it’s all the other support they give us.”
Meanwhile, the club’s attempts to attract new talent appears to be going well, with three new players set to sign next week, with another two expected to join soon after that.
Edwards said: “I would like to think that by the beginning of training on July 5 we’ll have four or five new players.”
None of last year’s squad are thought to be leaving the fold, although Stuart Mackay looks set to miss the opening games, as he is staying in Canada to see out their season.
Fixtures have now been released for the coming season, although some are liable to change due to cup clashes.
The opening game against Clevedon is one such game, so Edwards is expecting his league campaign to begin with a home clash against newly promoted Chippenham.
And after last year’s baptism of fire in South West 1, Edwards is looking forward to a better start this time.
He said: “If we can hit the ground running it’s a potentially exciting start. Clifton away is a bit of a swine, but I would like to think that from the first five games we can get three or four wins.
“If we can’t we’re in for a hard season. The key thing is going to be our fitness levels.
“It’s the one thing we lacked last year against the top sides
“And if the players don’t step it up we’ll be mid-table strugglers.

Maidenhead’s appeal to the RFU regarding the destination of the Berkshire Cup is due to be held on Monday.
The trophy currently resides with Reading Abbey, who were awarded the cup following a 20-20 draw with Maids in the final.
However, Edwards is confident it will soon be back in Maidenhead, either following a replay, or if the clubs are allowed to share the trophy.
Talking about the appeal, he said: “I’m quite confident of a positive outcome.”

Maidenhead’s clubhouse at Braywick Park will open at 8am on June 20, July 2 and July 9 for the televised British Lions tour matches in New Zealand.
Refreshments and breakfast will be available.

DELAYED: Maids’ powerhouse centre Stuart Mackay may miss the start of the league season. Ref:84925/10