MAIDENHEAD coach Simon Edwards has challenged his players to shake off their mid-table lethargy and show the division what they are truly capable of at Clevedon tomorrow (Saturday).
Although his team sits comfortably in fourth place in their first campaign back in South West 1, the Maids boss said he would be disappointed if they could not keep picking up points.
He said: “It’s a game we need to win. If we don’t get another win before the end of the season I’ll regard it as a poor one, particularly considering how well we’ve done in some of the other games.
“It’s a big game for us personally – we have got to front up. We cannot just think results will happen just because we’re fourth in the league.”
Edwards added it was important for his players to win now, because these results could have a major bearing on how Maidenhead are treated next season.
He said: “If we lose, it gives everyone else in the league the chance to say ‘oh, they lost there, and they lost here’, so it’s important for us to win to keep that psychological edge over other teams next season.”
Despite clamouring for a win though, the coach admitted the game at Clevedon would be more difficult than the 27-5 home victory back in January.
“It’s tough one,” he said. “They’ve got to win. They’re third or fourth from bottom – they’re in massive relegation problems and they’re a very hard side to beat down there. They’re one of those teams who don’t do so well away, but pick up their points at home.
“This is one they’ll be hugely targeting. They will be very aware that we’re fourth and have nothing to play for and nowhere to go.
“Their strengths are in their forwards. They have got a very good pack. We have got to take them on up front. I can see it being a massive forward battle and then the two sets of backs will probably win it or lose it for either side.”

All former members of Thames Valley Rugby Club, which became Maidenhead RFC in 1967, are invited to a reunion on Saturday, April 9.
For more information about the event, which will be held at Maidenhead RFC’s Braywick clubhouse, contact Keith Lawton on 01628 629688.