MAIDENHEAD RFC's see-saw season seems destined to go to the wire, after promotion rivals Oxford Harlequins had their title challenge rudely interrupted by Abbey on Saturday.
A victory for the Quins would have virtually guaranteed them automatic promotion, leaving Maids in a two-way dog-fight with Swanage & Wareham for the play-off spot.
However, their 27-22 defeat leaves them just two-points clear at the top; a gap Maids will close if they can win at Horspath Road tomorrow (Saturday).
Perhaps understandably, Oxford's club captain and front-row stalwart Jon Silversides did have some reservations about the game, saying: “We haven't done ourselves any favours by losing to Abbey.
"We've also picked up a few injuries over the past few weeks and have a number of key players doubtful for Saturday."
Maids also have the psychological advantage of having inflicted a 31-18 defeat on the Quins at Braywick in December.
However Silversides was still confident his side would seal their promotion with a win.
He said: "We played very poorly when we lost to Maidenhead earlier in the season.
"I don't want to give Maidenhead any ammunition, but we are quietly confident.”
Meanwhile, over at Braywick, Maids are also in the mood for a do-or-die show-down.
Coach Tony Brooks said: “Our confidence is high.
“We're not in it to make up the numbers. The players are excited and looking forward to it.
“We want to win. And we don't care if it's home or away.
“It's just a different piece of grass.
“If we do ourselves justice there's no reason we can't get the result we're after.”
However, he did stop short of predicting a big win, adding: “Suffice to say, I think it's going to be a good game.
“It's going to be hard work and the side that wins is going to deserve it.
“I just hope the boys do themselves justice. They deserve it.”
He also had some words of warning for Oxford, which could give some hint as to what he has planned for them tomorrow.
He said: “A good side given room is going to look very good.
“But if you put very good sides under pressure they can look very average indeed.
"Oxford have lost twice in their last five games.
“Little seeds of doubt begin to creep in.”
Equally importantly, and in contrast to the Harlequins, Maids are fortunate to be fairly light on injuries at the moment, on the back of a two-week break.
Brooks said: “We’re okay. A lot of the guys are back.
“We were fortunate to have last week off to get over a few knocks and bangs.
“It also allowed them to get mentally focussed and recharge the batteries.
“Getting the mental focus right is so important for games like this.”