MAIDENHEAD RFC continued to develop an expansive style of play on Saturday, as they sprayed the ball around in a comfortable 38-17 win over Wimborne.
The rugby purist might say ‘It’s about time’, while team coach Tony Brooks said: “It’s been something we’ve been trying to work on all season.”
However, to the casual spectator, it appears the main instigator of this new style of running rugby is fly-half Anton Da Silva.
And, under cross examination, Brooks reluctantly agreed.
He said: “Anton has brought a new confidence to the team. It’s all starting to tick.”
And, judging by Saturday’s showing, it is ticking very sweetly indeed.
Brooks said: “Our backs played very well on Saturday, and so did the forwards.
“The pack looked pretty sound in the set-piece and recycled the ball going forward, as requested, which gave the backs something to run onto.
“We ran in some good tries.”
However, after racing into a 17 point lead, Maids were given a reminder of the strength of a pack dominated strategy, as Wimborne fought back.
Brooks added: “They (Wimborne) have a very big pack and it was very difficult to get the ball off them. They retained the ball very well and were very good at playing to their strengths.”
The only question remaining to be answered is whether Maids will risk their new game plan against free-scoring Oxford Harlequins next week.
The Quins annihilated Stow-on-the-Wold 82-0 last week, and romped to a 39-0 win over Banbury in the Oxfordshire County Cup on Saturday.
However, the promotion favourites have a pretty tough run-in, beginning with an awkward trip to fifth placed Abbey tomorrow.
Brooks said: “We still have to beat them (Oxford) at their place. But if Abbey do us a favour on Saturday (tomorrow) that would be fantastic.
“Then it would be all to play for again.”

The club is hoping to arrange a supporters’ coach for next week’s trip to Oxford, but need to know numbers.
Anyone interested in going to the game should ring the club on 01628 629663.

Maids have no game tomorrow (Saturday).

Maidenhead RFC under 19 Colts face London Irish Colts in the semi-final of the National Knock-out Cup tomorrow (Saturday), at The Avenue, Sunbury, Middlesex, kick-off 3pm.
The club are hoping that club members will make the trip to support this talented team.