Mustangs V Sevenoaks 2nd XV – 09/12/06

Kent Invicta League Fixture

Result: Won 33-0

Yet another impressive performance by a Mustangs side which is improving with each game. Such is their current belief and resultant dominance that they are consistently beating worthy opponents by convincing margins and without conceding any points.

In what would normally be considered difficult handling conditions, the Mustangs put on a display of ‘smart’, ‘heads up’ rugby and despite the first 20 minutes or so when both sides were trying to settle and the Mustangs were guilty of trying to do too much with the ball; Sevenoaks were never in the game.

A successful penalty kick by full-back Glen Aukett marked the beginning of the Mustangs assault and despite the sin-binning of prop Plowman, the Mustangs ran in the first of their 5 tries, when good ball control and handling which began from the Mustangs 22, allowed flamboyant French centre Malejac to outstrip the Sevenoaks defence from 20m out  - Aukett adding  the extra 2 points. A kick and chase from Faulkner forced Sevenoaks to take the ball out of play five metres from their own line. It was then the turn of the forwards to apply pressure and in a trade mark ‘catch and drive’ lock Sam Johnston came up with the ball to score the first of his 3 tries to take the lead to 15-0 at half time.

In the second half, the Mustangs moved up a gear and continued pressure from both forwards and backs led to Aukett’s second successful penalty. By this time the superior fitness and play of the Mustangs was beginning to tell and another catch and drive on the Sevenoaks line led to Johnston’s second try. Sevenoaks to their credit tried to respond but a lack of possession meant that they spent most of the time in defensive mode and although they had soaked up a good deal of pressure, trying to stop No.8 Neil Smitherman from 5m out was always going to be a non contest as he crashed over to score after a good follow-up and charge down by substitute winger Bezeuidenhout. However, the last and probably best try of the match was the result of deft handling and clinical finishing as the ball was quickly passed through the backs to find the ever present Johnston lurking outside of his winger to score and to mark the long awaited return of the ‘Phantom’!

Defensively the Mustangs were quite outstanding, they dominated in the set piece  and the interlinking between backs and forwards was a key feature of yet another emphatic victory. A special mention must go to the back-row trio of Pankhurst, new-boy Hugh Ridgeon (responsible for at least 10 turnovers) and Smitherman who were outstanding in the loose and young fly half Sam Mann, who had an excellent game both in attack and defence. However, this victory was not about individuals but the result of a collective, team performance, where everyone including the 3 substitutes all made a significant contribution. However, that being said, there can only be 1 ‘Man of the Match’, in the same way as there can only ever be 1 ‘Phantom’. Therefore this week’s award goes to the deserving Sam Johnston for his 3 tries and his 2 outrageous and quite frankly embarrassing attempts to try and dummy the opposition!

Next week the Mustangs are at home in a friendly to Blackheath 3rds , kick off 2.15 pm.

Maidstone Scorers:

Tries:  Malejac (1) Johnston (3), Smitherman (1), Conversions: Aukett (1) Penalties: Aukett (2)

Squad: Aukett, Leggat, (Bezuidenhout), Faulkner, (Dyke) Deissner, Malejac, Mann, Ferris (capt), Plowman, East, Walker, Lee, (Cummins), Johnson, Ridgeon, Pankhurst, Smitherman.

Coach: Andy Golding
Manager: Laurence Waters
Sports Therapist and Physio: Wendy Edwards