MAIDENHEAD Rugby Club coach Simon Edwards has been keeping himself busy since the season ended, not least by launching an appeal to the RFU.
The move was precipitated by the Berkshire RFU’s decision to award Reading Abbey the county cup, despite being held to a 20-20 draw by Maidenhead 2nds in the final.
Edwards said: “The county refused our appeal. They’ve decided to abide by the junior rules.
“It’s a big point of principle.
“I’m annoyed about it and the team is annoyed about it.
“They know it was wrong.
“There isn’t any grey area in this.
“They have made an error. All they had to do was put their hands up and admit it.
“We would have been happy to share the cup, or replay the match.
“But now we have had to appeal to the RFU.”
Edwards has also been busy looking for new talent to bolster his team for another shot at the league title next term.
Unfortunately, that task will again be a difficult one, with promoted Cinderford and Bridgwater & Albion being replaced by Weston-super-Mare and Basingstoke, who have been moved across from London 1.
At the other end of the table, tough Gloucester outfit Spartans have won their way through to South West 1, where they will be joined by old foes Reading Abbey and Chippenham.
Edwards said: “I’m actively involved with signing three or four new players at the moment.
“I should be able to make an announcement in the next fortnight.”

At the annual awards ceremony, Jonny Hammond was named player of the year, with George Blackwell picking up the most improved player award.
Stuart Mackay was top try scorer, and Rob Hawkins top points scorer.
The team of the year were the 2nds, who won their league and the cup.