ANDY BARRON’S brief tenure as stand-in coach came to an extremely satisfactory conclusion on Saturday, with the 46-7 trouncing of Stow-on-the-Wold, at Braywick.
However, it was not so much the scoreline that announced Maids full return to form, as the renewed swagger in their steps, as they totally outclassed their guests in every department.
Barron said: “Judging by that performance, if we play to our potential there aren’t many teams in this league who can beat us.
“I think we’re finally settling into a style we like and using our big men more effectively.
“That’s out strength, no doubt about it, although having said that our backs were outstanding on Saturday.
“We went off the boil a bit in the second half, but in the first half we were exceptional. The boys really wanted it.”
One of the contributing factors to their recent run of good form has undoubtedly been a distinct lack of injuries, which plagued Maids throughout last season’s campaign.
Barron explained: “For the first time in a long time we have been able to pick the same team for three weeks running. That really helps.
“And we didn’t pick up any new injuries at the weekend, so it should be another unchanged side for Windsor on Saturday week.
“We have a good balance in the side now, which all bodes well for the rest of the season.”
However, this week’s victory was tinged with sadness, as Barron announced his retirement from 1st team rugby after 10 years on the front line.
He said: “I’m not going to play again. On Saturday they did so well without me I decided enough is enough. I have decided to call it a day.”
Barron has already made more comebacks than Frank Sinatra, but he added: “I’ve said it before, but this time it’s for real.
“I may have a few games for the twos, but as far as 1st team rugby goes, it’s over.
“I’ve had 10 good seasons and I’m happy to leave it at that.”

There is no game tomorrow (Saturday), but Maids are back in action in a week’s time, with a local derby at Windsor.