Maidstone 3rd XV 24
South Woodham Ferrers 7

A late cancellation by Gravesendians saw us travel to deepest Essex. The
upside was that Hogy had his first home game for 10 years.
An awesome performance in the first half virtually killed the game. Tries
by Baxter and 2 from youngster John Francis gave Maidstone  a comfortable
lead, and with 2 Hogarth conversions, it was unlikely that the Ferrers
would come back.
Outstanding play from Dane Smith at openside, very at home against the
bush leaguers, allowed continuity between forwards and backs, and a
dominant scrum and line out saw Maidstone stamp their authority. Francis
finished with great aplomb-nice to be able to groom a youngster. The only
regret was that manager Roger was unable to be there.
The second half promised to be an onslaught, but persistent errors and
unnecessary chat restricted Maidstone to a Eugene Moore try set up by a
dazzling run by Pete Mattinson.
The Ferrers did notch following a disputed penalty try, which solicitor
Tom Challis said was a total injustice, and would not stand up in a court
of law.
The Esssex boys were very hospital and we look forward to more awaydays
like this.We may eveen accept their kind offer of staying over in their
mobile homes/caravans ad drinking champagne/sparkling wine all night.