Rugby union: Wimbledon 29 Maidenhead 7

Given that this convincing 29-7 victory over Maidenhead was only Wimbledon’s second London and SE Premier League match of the season, the future looks bright for the forthcoming season.

Their attacking play is exciting to watch and can only get even better as the season progresses. But for a number of unforced errors, particularly in the second half, plus the referee penalising the Dons’ increasingly dominant set scrum – a big improvement on last week – the winning margin would have been far greater. But the try-bonus point win will do for now.

It took just two minutes for Wimbledon to open the scoring. Signalling their intention to play attacking rugby, they opted for a kick to touch instead of a certain three points from a penalty in front of the posts, and the pack drove over from the ensuing lineout, hooker Dave Wayman touching down for the five points.

They looked to be on the point of scoring for most of the next 20 minutes, with the pack – faster and more efficient at the breakdown than Maidstone – constantly gaining ground before putting the backs away, but they failed to capitalise on their wealth of possession. Then the visitors had a good 10-minute period, testing the Dons’ defence, which held up well. The last 10 of the half was all Wimbledon again, a fine turnover on half-way gave wing Ollie Kitto the ball and he scored in the corner. In the final minute successive driving mauls eventually secured a penalty try and the half closed with Wimbledon leading 17-0.

The second half started like the first with a try for wing Tom Milner just three minutes in following a nice half-break by scrum half Owen Davies after half a dozen of his forwards, led by number eight Mark Scott, had powered their way deep into Maidenhead’s half. But after several near misses by Wimbledon the visitors had a strong 10 minute period and running a good line their number eight was able to run in under the posts. The simple conversion brought the scoreline to an unrepresentative 22-7.

But Dons’ full-back Charlie Maskrey then nearly rounded of a flowing backs move only to be tackled two metres short, though still able to flick the ball over the tackler’s head to give Milner his second try. James Moffat, on for the limping Steve Boatman, put over a fine conversion from near the touchline and it was 29-7.

Wimbledon travel away to Hertford, who have also had two wins out of two, next weekend.