AN INCOMPETENT referee and an inability to field a full-strength side cost Maidenhead a possible win against Barking in the Powergen Cup on Saturday.
This is according to Maids’ coach Simon Edwards, who said of the 24-12 setback: “It was a poor performance from the official. Actually he was awful.
“He gave them a lot of respect but showed us none, and it made a difference.”
He added: “Their first try came about because of a ridiculous decision. I was not happy.”
But overall Edwards was content with most of what he witnessed from his side. He said: “We put a lot of things right which we got wrong against Cinderford. It was a good display although ultimately not good enough.
“We made them look ordinary at times. They came out and tried to run the ball from everywhere but found our defence was excellent.
“After the break they played nine-man rugby which was disappointing from a team threatening to get promotion from National Division 3.”
During the match fly-half Mark Ruddick came off with a torn groin, which will keep him put for a month, although Edwards expects to have most of his squad available to select from for tomorrow’s (Saturday’s) league clash at home to Clifton.
Edwards said: “Clifton is a must-win match for us. We had a good pre-season but have now lost two in a row. We didn’t lose twice all last season.
“We must understand we can compete at this level. I’m not sure everyone believes that.
“Man for man we’re as strong as anyone, but we must start putting it in for 80 minutes.
“Clifton is a good game for us and we can beat them.”
Running out for Maids tomorrow will be South African Dewet Voosen, who has played under 19 rugby for the Springboks. He will partner Mark Mueller in the second row.