Maidenhead Under 19 Colts 17, Bristol Shoguns Academy 5

MAIDENHEAD RFC Colts have the National Knockout Cup in their sights, following a stunning 17-5 victory over last year’s beaten finalists Bristol Shoguns Academy, at Braywick on Sunday.
Maids were looking for a good start and got one, when Richard Barber caught the Bristol kick-off and shrugged off three tacklers to make 40 metres.
This initial thrust set the tone for the rest of the match, as Maids met Bristol head-on, both in attack and defence.
Consequently, it was not long before Maids broke through to touch down, only to have the score ruled out for a forward pass. Undeterred, Maids went straight back on the offensive and were soon rewarded with the opening try of the game, when James Haskell picked up from the base of the scrum, broke two tackles and scorched in from 40 metres to score under the posts.
James MacDonald made the routine conversion, giving Maids a 7-0 lead. Maids went further ahead on 25 minutes, when the magnificent back-row of Alexander Kent, Barber and Haskell combined to create space for the backs.
Slinging the ball out wide, Maids found hooker Stuart Mackie free on the wing, who outpaced the retreating defence to score in the corner.
Another disallowed try immediately after the kick-off prevented Maids walking away with it, but they could not be subdued for long and extended their lead on 30 minutes.
Good ball from the forwards set up the chance, allowing Sam Hocking to break from the half-way line before drawing the final tackle to send Matt Ansell over for a try.
Leading 17-0 at the break, Maids anticipated a Bristol revival in the second period and were not disappointed.
Continuous pressure from the Bristol pack was met by tackle after tackle from Maidenhead’s defence, but they held firm until the dying minutes, when the mighty Shoguns finally salvaged some pride with a 75th minute try.
Maids are now through to the last 16, where they face Burton on Trent (away), date to be arranged.