Blues Run Maidenhead Close

Cold conditions for the game today and a Newbury side fashioning the new kit and sponsor by Wilds Sports. I could say that this is Newbury Blues rising from the ashes into a new life... But we all know that we had the dog fight last year. Things look more promising this season and it will require grit, character and a pinch of individual brilliance to drive Newbury to a comfortable end of season. We have faith in our Blues.

Maidenhead travel to what is arguably a fortress. I will reiterate arguably. With only 3 minutes gone they slot over a penalty but what is clear in that the rucks are going to be a very tough battle. Something we haven't always seen from the Blues which is very encouraging.

Maidenhead kick to the Newbury 5 metre line and set up a driving maul after a successful line out. They push on and score with 20 mins gone. This has been an issue for Newbury but they are improving and can't always prevent these tries. Well worked by Maidenhead. Obviously a big part of their game.

Newbury have been working hard in and around the rucks and mauls. They are just playing with a higher awareness and conviction. Good work in the centres to disrupt play and nick some priceless ball. On the half hour mark a cross field was sent into the corner 10 metres out. The bounce well judged by Futcher who teased the fans with slip but made sure he made it over the line in the corner. Good try and good vision. 10 - 7 to maidenhead.

Half time and the momentum with Newbury. Half time comes to soon and maidenhead happy to get in for half time.

The fans showing their frustration with the referee, particularly the interesting judgement of distance by the touch judge. He was wearing a maidenhead coat. This could have been coincidence or honest mistakes several times over. we will never know.

Newbury came out looking stronger. Stealing the ball straight off the kick off with that passage of play leading to a penalty in front of the posts. Erskine quickest to react by running the ball straight to the mark for a quick tap and go 5 metres out. Ok 7 metres out. His reactions giving Newbury the try and a reward for their efforts as it is right under the posts for a neat conversion.

With the blues now ahead 14 - 10 they looked really sharp and really motivated. The fitness levels looking good and having maidenhead pinned back in their 22 with smart sensible attacking play. They must have been working on the chip through a because they plucked a gem out of nowhere when the chip through had not one but two Newbury players rushing through to catch it. The ball naturally bounced over them but Dan Thorne was there to pluck it out of the air and slide it in under the posts to put newbury in a strong and very defendable lead. Converted try makes it 21 - 10 to newbury.

Maidenhead have not been creative in this game and really questions how they will fair later in the season. With 10 minutes to go maidenhead manage to sneak a try in the corner after some very strong red zone defence by the blues. This honestly looked like a consolation try by maidenhead. Did not look threatening in open play and had not made and clear breaks in the game.

Score 21 - 15 to Newbury.
Newbury pushing in to the maidenhead half and looking very comfortable to close the game out as the defence not looking threatening. The referee has clearly become annoyed with the supporters as a penalty is give. A bit harshly and when that was met with more boos gave an additional 10 metres. No explanation given as to why but there were rumours that it was because of the supporters. Even though highly unethical I am sure it was for a legitimate treason that only he saw.

Maidenhead know exactly what they want to do. Punch it straight I to the corner. That extra 10 metres making a world of difference from and attacking view point.

The line out successful and the standard drive over the line once more for a try. All the pressure on the kicker. From a difficult position, but he made it work. 22 - 21 maidenhead. Just echoes of the Ireland New Zealand game. It was scary how similar it all was.

Not a lot you can say about the performance other than maidenhead will feel lucky to come away with points but Newbury very upset not to have own that game. Bonus point of not.

Some good results in the league. It has been said before this league is literally too close to call. The only certainty is that salisbury are going to go down. Newbury are still a young outfit and will continually progress as they are hungry for it. Always striving to get better.
One thing remains. Newbury are a good team. Good is t good enough when better is possible and all the players knew it after the whistle went.

Report courtesy of Eddie Cleal