AN EXCRUCIATINGLY narrow 24-22 setback against Swanage and Wareham on Saturday realistically ended Maidenhead RFC’s chances of automatic promotion out of South West Division 2 East.
Indeed, if they are to secure the runners-up and only play-off position, they almost certainly have to maintain a 100 per cent record through their final four matches.
Maids still have to face champions-elect Oxford Harlequins, while Swanage, who are a point behind Maids, have a more comfortable run-in.
Commenting on the disappointing defeat at Swanage, Maids’ director of rugby Simon Edwards said: “It’s a game we should never have lost.
“If we lose another game we’ll be battling with Swanage & Wareham for the play-off spot – so we can’t afford to lose another.
“Unfortunately, that means we have to go to Oxford and win.
“The players have put that pressure on themselves, so now its up to them to deliver.”
Maids can go part way to repairing the damage when they entertain Salisbury at Braywick tomorrow (Saturday), kick-off 2.30pm.
Edwards added: “This game is really a cup final.
“There’s no way out of it. We have to win.”