Saturday October 21st 2006

London Irish Amateur 13 Maidstone 20

Maidstone continued their good form with another league win against the Amatuer side from London Irish, better known as the ‘Wild Geese’.
Starting with a very strong wind behind Maidstone it was imperative to get maximum points in the first half. This was achieved by some well taken tries. However With both sides playing many under 20’s who wanted to run at all opportunities,it was no surprise that there was a lot of ‘to and froing’ from both teams with much endeavour without any reward. This finally came however following a scrum near the Irish half way line. Centre Jamie Smith made a sweet break through the defence and timed his pass perfectly for Mark Ryan who stretched his long legs to the line. Whitehead added the points.

This though spurred Irish immediately who used their equally pacey backs to score at the posts levelling the match. Now shortly after the restart Jamie Smith smartly latched on to an Irish pass in midfield and with the defence all up was able to speed to the line. Whitehead again added the extras who extended the lead still further with a penalty just before half time. the Irish now had  the wind in their tails and slotted a penalty to narrow the score. Whitehead  hit back with another penalty for offside.This was to be the last score of the match,and that with only 5 minutes of the second half gone!This called for some tenacious defence by Maidstone who were facing not only an irish side attempting everything to break the deadlock,but also this gale in their faces.Their cause was not helped by a sin bin period for John Obrien.During this 10 minute  they only conceded 3 points! Maidstone kept the’Geese’ at bay inspite of lack of numbers with second rows in particular Steve Matthews and Sam Johnston catching and and tackling everything.
This was a fine team effort by Maidstone and will be more than satisfied with their efforts. This puts them in a good mid table position in the league.

This Saturday October 28th Maidstone take a break from league action and travel to Coney Hill in Gloucester in the first round of the EDF energy National Trophy.

Scorers Tries Ryan,Jamie SmithPenalties Whitehead  2
Conversion Whitehead 2

Team:Wilford, Houlihan, Jamie Smith,Arnold(C),Ryan,  Whitehead, Heads, Mcilroy,  Jeffrey(Rogers), Hollister  Matthews,   Johnston, O’Brien, Sargent,Alex Smith(Taylor)