Dons Eventually Overcome Stiff Resistance from Maidenhead
Rugby Result: Region 1 South Central - Wimbledon 38 - 24 Maidenhead
Picture: Wimbledon RFC/Facebook
January 23, 2023
Another hard-fought victory for Wimbledon and always something to worry about until the last five minutes.
Wimbledon collected the kick off and built phase after phase for four minutes before a spill and a breakaway led to a try for the Maidenhead left wing; 0 - 5 after five minutes.
After three more minutes and another breakthrough Wimbledon's heart and it was 0 - 10.
The Dons then reapplied the pressure and after eight minutes and a couple of penalties Zane Dallinger powered over for a try that was converted; 7 - 10 after 20 minutes.
Some decent play between the 22 metre lines for ten minutes and then a couple of penalties to Maidenhead one of which was converted - and it was 7 - 13.
Wimbledon then came straight back with a lovely try by Ollie Kitto; 12 - 13 after 32 minutes.
More 50/50 stuff including a scrum penalty to Maidenhead and some good steal backs by Wimbledon.; but it was still 12 - 13 at half time.
Five minutes into the second half and Maidenhead scored again - after a couple more penalties - and it was 12 - 18. But Wimbledon came straight back hard again and a penalty try gave Wimbledon the lead for the first time, 19 - 18 with the sin binning of the Maidenhead number five adding to the advantage. Wimbledon applied more pressure and after a very good build-up Jack Cooke score a try that was converted; 26 - 18 after 60 minutes and a try bonus point.
Two minutes later and Maidenhead won a penalty in front of the posts which they kicked; 26 - 21. Five minutes later and another kickable penalty for Maidenhead; 26 - 24. What a pain - and still about ten minutes to go.
But never fear - with some Wimbledon pressure and a couple of cock-ups from Maidenhead prop Malek Touilzak drove over to make it 31 - 24 , sadly not converted; and then Jack Cooke scored his second try of the evening which was converted and it finished 38 - 24.
Andy Hodgson
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