A very tight Maidenhead Festival was won by the Bracknell Under 12s.

Things started ever so brightly for the men in green on what was a rather cold and frosty morning as the temperature in Berkshire just got above zero as we made our way down the M4.

Henley

A three try demolition of Henley in our first game with tries from full back Ewan Castle and second row Alexander Robinson (2) got us off to the perfect start in our quest to go one better than last year and win the silver ware!

Final score 15-0

Cwymbran

Our second game was against a Welsh touring side (Cwymbran) which turned into quite a feisty affair. I'm a little unsure as to the rules played in Wales, but they clearly are very different to the ones played this side of the Severn.

After dominating the early exchanges, we conceded a soft try but fought back well to score through Matt Dalrymple and level the score at 5-5. This was not a game for the faint hearted and we held our own in what was a very physical encounter - with not every encounter being entirely within the rules of engagement. No prisoners were taken!

Final score 5-5

Fullerians

This would turn out to be a very important game, although we did not know it at the time. The Fullerian forwards were huuuuuuuge with our front row of Kyle Bruwer, Harry Grange and James Walford having to work hard for the first time this season - and work hard they did.

The forwards were immense all day and during this game in particular as they secured quick ruck ball time and time again, putting the backs into space to work their magic.

When you have the space, width is the way to go and six tries (3 from James Williams and one each from Matt Dalrymple, Ewan Castle and captain Sam Clough) later we walked off the pitch rather pleased with our fourteen minutes work!

Final score 30-0

Maidenhead

Maidenhead had struggled for much of the day and this game was to prove no different. Although we struggled to match the intensity of the previous match we were fairly comfortable throughout scoring four more tries (two more from James Williams and another for Ewan Castle before Alexander Robinson reminded the spectators that forwards can score tries too!)

Final score 20-5

Marlow

We went into this knowing that a win would secure the tournament win, but could not deliver the goods as our tired legs were showing signs of serious wear and tear. We weren't helped by the officials, but the best way to keep the whistle out of play is not to do anything even vaguely wrong and it was not going to be our game.

We did manage a try through Sam Clough, but could not match the three scored by our opponents.

We can look to get some revenge in a few weeks when we travel to Marlow for a fixture - can't wait!

Final score 5-15

This left things on knife edge as Fullerians and Henley took to the field with Fullerians needing a win to secure the trophy at our expense. Things were looking grim for the Bracknell massive as, with one minute to play Fullerians were 10-5 ahead, but Henley were not going to give up and scored (just) with 5 seconds left on the clock! Phew!!!!!

So that left us as winners of the Maidenhead festival at the sixth and last time of asking.

Next week sees us heading down the A329 to Reading RFC for their festival - no rest for the wicked!