AN UNSIGHTLY scrap scuppered Maidenhead’s chances of keeping their promotion campaign on track this week, when they surrendered a nine-point lead after two of their players were sent off.
Not that this offers an entirely plausible excuse, as their opponents Abbey also had two of their players consigned to the touchline.
However, the fact Maids lost two key players from the pack did prove crucial, as they found themselves being pushed backwards for the rest of the match.
Coach for the day Andy Barron explained: “We were 17-8 up and they didn’t have an answer.
“We were in control and I think they knew it. That’s why the fight broke out.
“They got among us and unsettled us, and went on to score three tries in 20 minutes.”
He continued: “The sendings off affected them less than it did us.
“Their scrum-half went but he wasn’t much of a player.
“We lost Piers Morgan and Patricio Kember, both important players in our pack. We got sucked in and we paid the price.”
However, he did hold up his hands and admit his players had contributed to their own downfall by retaliating against Abbey’s provocation tactics.
He added: “We were in control, which is one time when you don’t want to get involved in fisty-cuffs.”
Unfortunately, if the past is any guide to the present, the only way to guarantee promotion from this league is to win virtually every game, as Marlow did last year. However, despite losing two of their four games to date, Maids are not about to surrender all hope.
Barron added: “I don’t think that will be the case this year.
“We’ve had two silly losses, but we’re finding our feet now. It’s just a matter of getting it right for 80 minutes.
“It’s about to happen for us, and when it does God help the team we’re playing.”
Maids have no league fixture scheduled for tomorrow (Saturday) but were trying to organise a friendly when the Advertiser went to press on Wednesday night.