Mustangs V Tunbridge Wells 2nd XV – 07/10/06

Result: Lost 23 -18

Tunbridge Wells had been performing well in the league and the Mustangs knew that this away fixture was going to be a hard fought encounter. However, the Mustangs made a dream start and scored within the first minute of the game from receipt of the kick-off. A solid catch and set from the forwards and good awareness by scrum-half Ferris put centre Malejac into space to make a knifing break down the right hand side of the field. He then off-loaded to allow prolific winger, Leggat to score in the corner.

Despite early points on the board, the Mustangs failed to consolidate and build on this. Too many missed tackles and giving the Tunbridge Wells half-backs to much space and time allowed them to settle back into the game. However, having weathered some strong attacks it was an opportunist try from a line-out, 5 meters from the Mustangs line which allowed a Tunbridge Wells forward to score uncontested and put their first score on the board. An exchange of successful penalty kicks then evened up the scores at 8-8.

Undeterred the Mustangs ‘upped’ their game and forward pressure late in the first half allowed flanker Smitherman to burst over to score from 10 meters out, which was converted by full-back Laurenson. The Mustangs then began to dominate in the last quarter of the first half and were rewarded with another 3 points just before the half-time break.

The Mustangs went into the second half with a cushion of 10 points at 18 – 8 and looking to extend their lead. However, poor interpretation of the ruck by the referee which led to a number of penalties being awarded against both sides did not allow the game to flow. This type of disjointed game seemed to suit the Tunbridge Wells forwards better who were often more effective at exploiting the breakdown situation. As a result, 10 minutes into the half, they sucked in the Mustangs defence in mid-field to create an over lap for their winger to score in the corner. More penalties and continued forwards pressure on the Mustangs line then lead to another try and for the first time in the game Tunbridge Wells were ahead at 20-18. With one score separating the sides, the intensity of the game increased and despite fly-half Mann having to leave the field due to injury and flanker Pankhurst having to move to centre, the Mustangs had their chances. On a number of occasions had the last pass gone to hand then they could have scored. However it was Tunbridge Wells who had the last word and yet another ‘unfathomable’ penalty from late in the half allowed them to add another 3 points.

Although a disappointing result, there were a number of positives to take from the game – scrum and line-outs went well and there were some good aspects of individual play in the forwards and backs. Of particular note were the performances of youngsters, Josh Pankhurst who was making his debut at flanker and Sam Mann, who had a promising game at fly half. However, this week’s man of the match goes to Neil Smitherman for his work in the tight and his powerful attacking running.

Next week, the Mustangs are at away in the league against Sevenoaks, kick-off 3.00 pm.

Maidstone Scorers:

Tries: Leggat, Smitherman,
Conversions: Laurenson (1)
Penalties: Laurenson (2)

Squad: Laurenson, Leggat, Malejac, Dyke, Faulkner, Mann, Ferris (capt), Thurgood, East, Plowman, Bacon, Maddaford, Smitherman, Pankhurst (Anning) Court,