Newbury Vet's March into Cup Semi's

Newbury Vets fielded all the usual suspects and conditions were perfect for a running game for the over 35s.

Maidenhead kicked off and Newbury quickly gained control of the game, big power play from the Newbury forwards, with the back row of Craig Greener, Nigel Cripps and Keith Pearce banging holes in the Maids defence. The combination of Nick Weston and Jamie Bull was working well in the line outs giving the half-backs Nick Mason and Jamie Wallace plenty to work with.

The first score came from Maidenhead with their 10 chipping over the top, the bounce favoured their on rushing centre and he went under the post, conversion kicked.

From the kick off, Newbury had hands in the ruck, Maidenhead knocked over the penalty, 10 nil up.

Newbury gathered themselves and not to panic, had good field position from Wallace kicking into Maidenhead 22. Bully up in the lineout, off the top.

A sweeping strike move in the backs and James Spilling showing good feet and a strong finish to go over. Score 5 –10.

From kick-off Newbury worked up the middle with busting runs from centre partnership Preston and Google.

Eventually play came to a Newbury line out on the Maidenhead 22, Westie bringing his top arrows today, the Newbury pack surged from the 22 line to go over with was a fantastic rolling maul.

No surprise Nigel Cripps popping up with the ball. Wallace converting. 12-10 at half time.

Second half, Newbury were camped in Maidenhead's half with some excellent pick and go from Big Graham Stewart, Weston, Trott, Bingo and Brown.

With pressure finally allowing second row James Bull to float over in the corner like Kieran Read. Wallace knocking over the extras.

More tries coming from lively full-back Dave McAteer and a fantastic run from Google knocking 3 out the way to go over. Wallace converting.
Maidenhead had there fair share of the play in the last 20, but Preston and Google knocking centres back in each play.

Maids scored in the last play of the game with a good run from the full-back, to leave a final score of 37 – 24.

Great work from the Newbury Vets who controlled the game well and scored some excellent tries.

In the next round Hungerford in the new year.

Captains Man Of the Match:
Nick Weston, great in the line out, fantastic in the loose, just keeps going and going…

Team
Graham Stewart, Nick Weston, Brian Trott, Jamie Bull, Graham Beal, Keith Pearce (Peter Brown), Nigel Cripps, Craig Greener, Nick Mason, Jamie Wallace, ??? Mcney (Joff Adams), Richard Preston, Drew Mainsbridge, James Spilling, Dave McAteer.

Report courtesy of Nick Mason.