This was the return leg of the league structure, this time with our boys playing away; we had a full team with four subs, all of which were fired up and more than ready for the game.  Unfortunately the ref that was booked by the home team felt he could not take on two back to back games as requested by Maidenhead. (Because there are now two divisions it was requested that they play this way as only one pitch available) This left the ‘B’ game with no ref. Maidenheads Head coach to his credit offered to take up the mantle....!!!!

The game started quite evenly for the first couple of minutes, Aldermaston then showed their strength and spent the next seven minutes camped between Maidenheads 10 and 22    our driving maul seemed to be working as it should. Maidenhead drew 1st blood, the restart went our way and with the boys chasing the kick managed to force a penalty that alas never really game too much although after Maidenhead panicked we did manage to win a couple of line outs.

The pendulum swung back in Maidenheads favour when they forced themselves over the line, but only after Aldermaston had held up a previous attempt. This did not deter our boys who immediately responded with Scott claiming a try but unfortunately not managing to convert it. Play continued with both sides managing to spend time in each other’s half. Another try went Maidenheads way before Scott again managed to claim a second try for himself.

The second half was fairly even with Aldermaston winning the scrum and mauls but they were out rucked dramatically by Maidenhead with their forwards working as they should do as a pack (something we need to work on). That said I did see support, but maybe a little less than required along with a little too much on looking at the breakdown, crash ball along with open play did go in our favour. Again the pendulum swung both ways until Scott managed to bag his Third try and then convert it. At this point it seemed that things got very heated to say the least, and although retaliation is not right a little did happen on our part, until I spoke to them and to our boys credit they raised above their opponents attitude. Maidenhead did manage to go another un converted try ahead of us. With time running out we did raise an attack but Olly went down injured and we finished the game with 14 men on the field.

Questions were raised to the ref before the start of the second half (but alas what’s seen is seen and what’s played is played) I myself would not have wanted to be in his position as it’s very easy to criticize although I did hear it from both sides. I feel it would have been a better game if they had managed to keep their players (and I might add spectators) aggression to a minimum. I personally feel that it should be looked at that league games should be reffed by county Referees. Apologies if this sounds like sour grapes, it was intended to be. The final score was 22-17 to Maidenhead. Our boys were sportingly clapped off the field. -  john