Job done! On a glorious summer day and in front of the biggest crowd that Barham Road has seen for a long while, Wimbledon secured their place in the Regional 1 South Central division for another season, but despite ten tries and what was in the end a hefty winning margin this was, in true Wimbledon style, a nerve jangler for most of the match as Wimbledon struggled to put away a dogged Maidenhead opposition in this relegation play-off match.

The Dons got off to another dream start with Nick Blain touching down in the first minute following a bullocking charge from Josh Stace and neat work from Harry Mead, playing at 10, and Sam Veall. Blain converted his try, the first of six that he was to make. However, and setting the tone for much of the match, it was not long before Maidenhead, having put the Wimbledon scrum under great pressure, responded with a try of their own to bring the scores level.

Wimbledon remained patient and were rewarded on fifteen minutes with a try by Sam Veall, but the lead lasted barely two minutes as again Maidenhead immediately hit back with a try of their own following a powerful catch and drive from their forwards. On 24 minutes centre Joe Lilley burst through to touch down and regain the lead but with half-time beckoning the game went into a key period of play. On 38 minutes and after yet more forward pressure, the visitors equalised with their third try and followed this a minute later with their fourth when a tackle was missed in the Maidenhead half, the ball was hacked down the touchline and the race was won by Maidenhead to touch down in the corner. A fine conversion followed from the touchline to make the score 21-28.

However, the first half action was not over yet as Wimbledon launched a final attack on the Maidenhead line. Defensive panic followed and two yellow cards were brandished for the visitors. With the final play of the half and having been awarded a penalty in front of the posts, Wimbledon opted to run the ball, a decision that paid off when Josh Stace crashed over. The conversion was missed but Wimbledon were back in the game and the teams went into the break with the Dons trailing by 26-28.

With the start of the second half, Wimbledon looked to take full advantage of the two-man advantage courtesy of the two yellow cards against Maidenhead, Wimbledon increased the pace and pressure at the start of the second half and were soon rewarded for their endeavours. On 44 minutes Tim Ridler touched down, followed a two minutes later by a second try for Sam Veall after a crash ball into the heart of the Maidenhead defence. Still, though, Maidenhead would not go away and on 49 minutes they brought the score back to 40-33 with a try of their own. Wimbledon responded quickly with yet another try, and what a beauty it was! Winger Paul Hendry was brought down just short in the right-hand corner, the ball was recycled, spun across the pitch and four passes later Rhys Morgan touched down in the opposite corner.

On the hour Maidenhead gave themselves hope with another try which followed an interception on halfway, running in unopposed and taking the score to 45-38, but the Dons stayed calm, continued to move the ball at pace and from this point the Dons were in charge. First, Sam Veall completed his hat-trick with a fine try under the posts, having slipped out of three tackles in the Maidenhead 22. This put the Dons two scores ahead for the first time, a lead which should have been enough to close out the match but there were still nerves on the touchline. Those nerves were soon calmed with Wimbledon holding firm and adding two further tries from Rhys Morgan and Josh Stace, the latter converted by Tim Ridler with the last kick of the match.

The final whistle confirmed Wimbledon’s survival and guaranteed their place at this level next season. It also signalled the start of great celebrations for players and supporters alike.

Great credit goes to skipper Tom Williams’ team, both those who played on Saturday and those who have featured in other matches in the campaign, for the way that the squad has turned the season around having had to wait until late November for their first win. They have grown as a team and as players as the season progressed. Credit, also, to those behind the scenes, notably the strength and conditioning team, for all that they have done to support the players. Although back row Oli Davies suffered a nasty looking leg injury in this match, the number of injuries suffered this season has been less than usual, allowing for a more settled team to gel. If this squad can be kept together, next season should see the Dons feature once more at the other end of the league table.

See you in September.

Match Reporter - Mark Brunt