Heard’s debut score not enough as Maidenhead ease to victory

AFTER a difficult start to the season due to injuries throughout the club and being obliged to provide players to the higher teams, Henley 3rds were able to field a full side plus substitutes against the Maidenhead 2nds team last Saturday.

On what was a perfect afternoon at Dry Leas for playing rugby, with bright sun and a firm pitch, Maidenhead were quick to attack from Henley’s kick-off and scored after five
minutes.

Henley both defended and attacked well for the next quarter of an hour and made several promising breaks, notably through new player Ethan Konschel from the back row. Also new to the squad was right-wing Oliver Heard who showed some real pace in his attacks, which were only prevented by Maidenhead’s tight defence.

It was clear that Maidenhead had the upper hand but robust Henley defence from hooker Paul Goodall and prop John Cullivan prevented the larger forwards from their opposition from forging through.

Maidenhead managed two more converted tries but the score 21-0 half-time scoreline belied the efforts of Henley. Henley started the second half in better form and it was captain Ed Houghton who with his forwards in full support was able to push over the line and put some points on the scoreboard for Henley; the conversion was wide.

Maidenhead responded promptly and edged the score to 28-5. It was another quarter of an hour before they managed to score once more with two quick converted tries.

Henley had been able to field this full team only with a mix of Henley stalwarts such as Rowan Fuller and Barty Rancombe returning to support the team and new players like Will Laver all putting in solid performances while Louis Heard, joining his brother, managed to get his debut score for Henley.