Maidenhead Colts 16, Bath Colts 22

THE rollercoaster ride that has been Maidenhead Under 19 Colts’ progression to the last four of the National Knock-out Cup finally hit the buffers at Braywick on Sunday.
Having previously carved their way through Gloucester 14-13, Abbey 27-11, Henley Hawks 38-0, Sedgeley Park 29-0 and Northampton Old Boys 42-0; Maids met their match in a fit, adaptable and well disciplined Bath side.
Although few will begrudge Bath their place in the final, the game was there for Maids to win.
However, under some heavy Bath tackling and pressing in midfield, Maids made uncharacteristic errors, especially in their handling.
This and some dubious kicking was enough for Bath to take and maintain their narrow advantage.
Maids proved they had the speed out wide and this was where Bath looked vulnerable, but the normally elusive Tom Guest and Thom Evans could not break the shackles.
The match itself went in phases, with the visitors taking an early 6-0 lead through two penalties before Maids ended the half 11-6 to the good; two Nils Mordt penalties and an Evans try giving them the advantage.
After the break Bath enjoyed most of the possession and they themselves bagged a converted try and three penalties.
However a brilliant solo try from Maids’ James Haskell – running half the length of the pitch – reduced the deficit to 19-16 with seven minutes remaining.
But it was not to be.