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V S. Anselm's
Maidwell 0 S. Anselm's 45
The scoreline is an unfair representation of the Under 9s inaugural match for Maidwell. A thrashing this was not. If Sky Sports' team of analysts had been present, we would see a whole range of statistics that would put Maidwell on top - we must have had at least 60% of the possession and put in well over 50% of the tackles. Unfortunately, distance travelled in a forward direction would not flatter. Many of the Maidwell boys made surging runs, in particular Archie Cook, Hugo Webber and Hugh Stanton, they dodged and weaved, running 30 metres to move just 2 metres forward as they just lacked the penetration necessary to make the real breakthrough they deserved. Kit Lydiard Wilson, Arthur Margetson (leading by example as captain) and the ubiquitous Hugo Webber put in some crunching tackles, but the St. Anselms' boys were bigger and faster and kept getting breakaway tries. A valiant first performance and one that bodes well (honestly!) for the future.
V Great Houghton
Maidwell 0 Great Houghton 25
With everyone back fit, having won the toss and chosen to play with the strong wind behind our backs, the elements should have favoured Maidwell in the first half. Unfortunately, the boys seemed a little lethargic and attacking moves were solo ventures rather than team assaults. Tackling was tentative and the usual verve was somewhat lacking. Great Houghton took full advantage of this, and the fact that they had a number of very fast players, to run in three tries and dominate the game. The second half was a different story in many respects, Maidwell were far more direct, they ran, they rucked, they maintained possession and they made some impressive forays into the Great Houghton half. Defensively, the tackling was significantly better with some great efforts from every member of the team. We still await our first try, but there are many positive aspects to this team and success will come in time.
V Swanbourne House
Maidwell 0 Swanbourne 45
Psychology has started to play a major part in the Under 9's performance. Swanbourne's team were the smallest in stature that the Maidwell boys have faced in matches or in training, yet Maidwell saw them as giants and played the first half in a state of awe and trepidation. They did not compete for the ball in loose play, turning the ball over at every breakdown. Tackling was uncharacteristically reticent and the early concession of tries meant that their heads dropped further in despair.
To their credit, in the second half they came out fighting, the heart returned to their tackling and they begun to make some serious inroads into the Swanbourne defences. Unfortunately their efforts have yet to result in a score and this is sorely needed to help raise team spirits. It will come in due course, but there is a lot of work to be done.
V Stoneygate
Maidwell 0 Stoneygate 40
Another dismal scoreline hides a further stage in the development of this Under 9 squad. In the previous games they have lost more rucks than they have won, allowing the opposition to regain the ball. This performance showed that they have listened and learned. They dominated the tight play, keeping possession well and recycling the ball in an endless rucking frenzy. This new found strength was also their undoing, they played too tight, too narrow, too focused on the rucking and the ball was rarely spread wide and the backs did not get or take the opportunity to run. On a number of occasions, a bit more thought and vision, some quick hands and the Maidwell boys could have run in for tries and gained those first points on the board that they so sorely need and deserve. Their tackling has improved throughout the season and, narrow, they are a force to be reckoned with, but Stoneygate did what Maidwell failed to do, they spread the ball and scored the points.
V Beachborough
Maidwell 15 Beachborough 15
At approximately 2:40pm on a drizzly afternoon at Maidwell, 10 faces beamed with delight (probably 11, but I couldn't see myself); finally, after a great deal of effort, the Maidwell Under 9s scored their first try. What's more, it was thoroughly deserved and came after a period of sustained pressure and excellent team rugby. They rucked valiantly, passed accurately and ran with conviction, it was a pleasure to behold. Also deservedly, it was the awesome Arthur Fenwicke-Clennell who scored, leading by example in his role as captain. The majority of the first half belonged to Maidwell, they ran in another try a few minutes before the break and they were truly in the ascendancy. Unfortunately, the one aspect of their game that was not quite up to the mark was their tackling; they were too high spirited and suddenly seemed to think that they could just rip the ball from the Beachborough hands. This was never going to happen and hands reaching for the ball are a lot easier to run through than shoulders directed at legs. Beachborough ended the half by running through Maidwell to score and pull back within sight. The second half was a similar tale, Maidwell continued to perform in every respect apart from the tackling and this was their undoing. Whilst they will never forget their first three tries in a Maidwell shirt, they should rue the fact that they did not end the day as victors.
V Bedford Prep
Maidwell 10 Bedford 5
It has finally happened! The Under 9s have won their first match in a Maidwell shirt. Having shown great spirit all term in the face of adversity, the draw against Beachborough had boosted their confidence and the boys' attitudes at the start of this match against the Bedford Cs was far more self-assured. Bedford won the toss and elected to take the ball; they were immediately met with crunching tackles that knocked them 20 metres back straight from the whistle. When Maidwell got the ball they drove forward with passion and vigour each boy holding their positions, they rucked well and they even passed and ran with confidence. It was a ferocious and controlled onslaught that culminated in an early try in the corner. They jumped for joy, but they didn't waste time celebrating, instead they attacked again. Another period of sustained pressure led to a second, thoroughly deserved try. Half-time came; the way the water was downed and the oranges devoured reflected the energy that had been expended. The second half was a close affair, Bedford fought hard and kept possession well, their greater size was beginning to tell as the Maidwell boys tired and tackles drifted higher and became less effective. Bedford scored a hard-earned try, I crossed my fingers and kept a close eye on the watch; slowly, but surely, the minutes counted down and became seconds and then beeps; the Maidwell Hall Under 9s had held on for victory!
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