MAIDENHEAD were dumped out of the Powergen Cup in a 52-10 thumping at Rosslyn Park on Saturday.
However, the club was unexpectedly delighted with the result, as the Maids actually gave a very good account of themselves against National League opposition.
Former Rosslyn Park skipper and Maids coach Tony Brooks said: “It was a good performance. The score doesn’t reflect that, but if we hadn’t played as well as we did, we could have been well and truly overpowered.
“I was very pleased with the grit and determination we showed – and to score the last try of the match was indicative that our heads hadn’t gone down. The challenge now is to maintain that form in the league.”
Swanage & Wareham dealt Maidenhead a crushing blow last week, by coming from behind to secure a 24-20 victory over Maids’ in their opening league game of the season, in a division where promotion requires near perfect results.
But, while Brooks acknowledged his side’s disastrous start to the promotion campaign, he was pragmatic about their long-term prospects.
He added: “It wasn’t an ideal start, but maybe it’s the wake-up call we needed. I know the boys can play and there’s a lot more in the tank. It’s just a matter of believing in themselves.”
On Saturday, Maids travel to Amersham & Chiltern, kick-off 3pm.