Late flurry flatters Maidenhead

As the away supporters assembled in the grandstand optimistically discussing whether the somewhat new look 2009/10 Ensians side could turn over the home side the teams ran out onto the first team pitch. After a nervy first few minutes the away side settled into their side and began to grow in confidence. With both sides well drilled the game was evenly balanced early on with both sides playing some good rugby. We looked set for a close encounter.

Ensians carved out good chances on 14 and 17 minutes following strong breaks by Tsang and Sharp but narrowly failed to capitalise and were punished on 19 minutes as Maidenhead scored a breakaway try against the run of play. Then on the restart Sharp took a blow to the head while putting in a crunching tackle on the big Maidenhead number 4 and left the field dazed and spitting blood. This proved to be the turning point of the game. Ensians tackling and organisation which had been so strong in the first 20 minutes went south and the home team ran in 2 quick tries before half time taking the teams into the break at 0-17.

Ensians rallied early in the second half with the but leaked 2 further tries on 38 and 40 minutes as the strong Maidenhead backs began to click. Ensians heads stayed up with players in putting in strong tackles in all areas of the pitch, notably Wareham, Cruikshank and Cox who was forced to leave the game injured mid way through the half having made several try saving tackles. Weakened by injuries the Ensians backs were out paced towards the end of the game with Maidenhead running in several late tries to end the match 0-43.

Positives to take from the game ... 20 minutes of great rugby in the first half proves that a full strength, switched on Ensians team can be very competitive in the league this season. Although not reflected in the score this was a closer game and a better performance than against Maidenhead last season ... we are making good progress and the boys should be heartened by their first half performance.

Men of the match ... Cruickshank and Cox.

By Dave Wareham