23/09/06 - Maidstone  16  Beckenham  6

London League 2 South

It was Maidstone’s young guns who kick-started their London League 2 South season with an enterprising victory against traditionally tough Beckenham.

Maidstone’s Head Coach Tim McBennett, who has just been given another two year extension to his England Under 18 contract, was justified in his decision to include four teenagers in the backs to add extra bite and pace to their attack.

This was just as well as Maidstone had three of last week’s experienced players out through injury - lock Steve Mathews, hooker Tom Rogers and centre Tim Porter.

Against the strong sun and up the slope Maidstone had to contend with a sticky first 10 minutes as Beckenham secured most of the possession.

But the portents were already clear that Maidstone’s defence was going to be difficult to penetrate. Only on rare occasions did the Beckenham attack cross the gain line throughout the match.

The addition of Nick Taylor making his debut from the North One club Birkenhead Park in the back row, Fin Davis, who played for Tunbridge Wells last season at hooker, and Jamie Smith, from last  year’s Under 18 team all played their part in giving a sense of urgency to the side.

Maidstone steadily gained concerted territorial advantage but lacked some finish until the first try after 26 minutes.

It was left winger l9 year old Nick Deissner, formerly from Medway, who scored the try following from a slick threequarter down the line movement.

Rarely did Beckenham make any serious incursions into Maidstone territory but their own defence also held up well. But a penalty just on half time, kicked by fly half Craig Whitehead for Maidstone to lead 8-0 was just reward.

Beckenham hit back after the interval through their forwards, but again there was little penetration from their backs. Maidstone made their mistakes, but they were more enterprising all round.

A penalty for handling in the scrum by Maidstone, gave Beckenham their first score from a penalty by fly half Mike Fealey with five minutes to go. 

Then a superb high cross kick from full back John Wilford to the left wing, deep in the Beckenham half was caught by Deissner, then inside to Fin Davis before lock Sam Johnston scored the try.

Another penalty from Beckenham’s Fealey in injury time was capped by a neatly taken drop goal from skipper Martin Arnold on the final whistle.

Maidstone scorers.

Tries: Deissner, Johnston

Penalty, Whitehead

Beckenham scorers

Penalties. Fealey 2

Maidstone Team: John Wilford, Nick Deissner, Jamie Smith, Martin Arnold (Capt.) Harry Stockford, Craig Whitehead,, Dave Heads, Scott McIlroy, Simon Hollister, Sam Johnston, Dan Cummins(Garrett Hines), John O’Brien, Nick Taylor, Nick Sargent