Wimbledon collect 38-24 victory over Maidenhead

BY ANDY HODGSON

Another hard-fought victory for Wimbledon and always something to worry about until the last five minutes.

The Dons built phase after phase for four minutes before a spill and a breakaway led to a try for the Maidenhead left wing. After three more minutes there was another break through Wimbledon’s heart and it was 0-10.

Wimbledon re-applied the pressure and after eight minutes, and a couple of penalties, Zane Dallinger powered over for a try that was converted. Maidenhead converted a penalty to stretch their lead.

Wimbledon came straight back with a lovely try by Ollie Kitto as the hosts trailed 12-13 at the break.

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 them 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 scored a try that was converted to make it 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 10 minutes to go.

But never fear, with some Wimbledon pressure and a couple of mistakes from Maidenhead allowed prop Malek Touilzak drove over to make it 31-24, sadly not converted.

Jack Cooke scored his second try of the evening which was converted as the contest finished 38-24.