LAST week’s narrow win over Welsh outfit Llantwit Fadre has given Maidenhead renewed hope for the upcoming season, as they set out in search of promotion.
Particualrly pleasing was Maids’ superior fitness levels, and the fact that the Welsh National Divison 2 side were the clear favourites before the match, having won 22 out of 22 matches in their successful promotion push last year.
However, Maids’ chief executive and last year’s 1st team coach Simon Edwards claimed there was still room for improvement.
He said: “We didn’t expect to beat them because of their reputation.
“They were unbeaten last year in the league and I think we probably gave them too much respect.
“They aren’t used to losing and when the pressure came on they couldn’t handle it.
“Our sheer grit and determination was fantastic, but although it’s a good start there’s still lots of room for improvement.”
New coach Tony Brooks concurred, but claimed he and the players had learned a great deal from last week’s game.
He said: “One thing I learned was that there is still a fair bit of work to do.
“But the players attitude has been very good and from what I have seen so far I have been very encouraged.”
Tomorrow (Saturday), Brooks has the ideal opportunity to see how far his players have progressed, when they take on Bristol Combination side Gordano in the Tetley Bitter Cup at Braywick.
He said: “It will be interesting to see how people respond to the first competitive game of ther season.
“I’m certainly not anticipating an easy game and I’m sure Gordano will be up for it.
“It should prove a very competitive test for us and if we come through with a win that’s great. But I’m looking for more than that.
“I have a lot of confidence in the guys’ abilities, but once the ball crosses the line I’m redundant and it’s all down to them.
“So it’ll be interesting to see if the team carries out certain plays and strategies we’ve put in place during practice.”
Part of this new strategy has seen the appointment of Andy Barron as the new 1st team captain, with Allan Greene being given the responsibility for directing the forwards.
Brooks said: “Having some old heads out there on the pitch is terrific for Maidenhead Rugby Club.
“The key thing now is to encourage other younger players to come through and take their places.”
Maidenhead’s league campaign gets underway next Saturday, with a trip to Wimborne in Dorset. The first home game is on September 14, when Maids face Swanage & Wareham.